Production of castamide matrix based composites reinforced glass fiber and investigation of their mechanical properties

In this study, a series of polymer based composite materials were produced by pressure molding method.The cast polyamide and chopped glass fiber were used as matrix and reinforcement agent in composites.Matrix and reinforcement weight ratios were selected as wt 50%. Composite materials were produced at different temperature and pressures to determine these process conditions on the mechanical properties such as tensile strength, percent elongation, impact strentgth etc.In addition to that, the microstructure and fracture surface of composites were examined by a stereo and a scanning electron microscobe (SEM).It was observed that mechanical properties increased with the increasing both of moulding temperature and pressure. Further, it was also found that matrix materials showed more wetting capability with the increasing of temperature on the glass fiber bundles.On the other hand, it was also observed that the moulding pressure was more effect on mechanical properties of composites up to a specified pressure value and no effect after that value.Finally optimum prosess conditions having temperature and moulding pressure were determined as 300 °C and 20 MPa respectively for glass fiber reinforced castamide based composites.