The table below gives physical properties for three types of fibers used to reinforce polymer resins to make PMC materials.
FIBER TYPE>>
|
CARBON
|
ARAMID
|
E-GLASS
|
Modulus of Elasticity- MSI
|
33
|
18
|
10.5
|
Tensile Strength- KSI
|
580
|
400
|
500
|
Specific Modulus of Elasticity- MSI
|
18.3
|
12.5
|
4.1
|
Specific Tensile Strength- KSI
|
322
|
278
|
197
|
Specific Gravity- g/cc
|
1.8
|
1.44
|
2.54
|
Relative Cost
|
High
|
Moderate
|
Low
|
MSI = million lb/in2
KSI = thousand lb/in2
Compare these fibers as the reinforcing material in PMC materials. In what types of applications might you chose each of them, keeping in mind stiffness, strength, density and cost factors? A thorough discussion is expected.