Sizing Chemistry and Surface Treatment of Glass Fibres
topic
Glass fibre sizing consists of silane coupling agents providing covalent bonding to both glass surface hydroxyl groups and polymer matrix, combined with film formers, lubricants, and antistatic agents applied at 0.5 to 2 percent on fibre mass immediately after drawing, with sizing chemistry tailored to specific matrix resin systems including epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester, and thermoplastic polymers.
Role
Determines the critical interfacial adhesion between glass fibre and polymer matrix that controls composite interlaminar shear strength, fatigue resistance, and environmental durability, making sizing chemistry selection and application uniformity among the most important factors governing composite mechanical performance for structural applications.