Abstract
A functional composite material was developed to improve its thermal characteristics by the addition of metallic fibers under Vf=1% into fiber reinforced plastics. The metallic materials used were electrolytic copper and brass-plated steel fibers of several tens μm in diameter. They were inserted between chopped strand mats parallel to the longitudinal direction.
The thermal diffusivity in the longitudinal direction was improved by following the law of mixture. The static strength of the new materials increased about 50% as compared with that without metallic fibers. A similar increase in fatigue strength was also recognized. The increase in strength of the composite with metallic fibers was maintained even at a high-temperature environment about 200°C, and the heat-resistant property was improved. The reason of such improvement was considered that the shear plastic deformation of composite material both in-plane and inter-ply became difficult due to the presence of metallic fibers.
