Abstract
An existence of flaws on glass fiber surface was directly confirmed. To characterize their size and distribution is also one of the objectives of this paper. An Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) was used in order to observe such sub-micron or nano flaws directly. From AFM observation, some sub-micron or relatively large flaws and cracks have been found. In order to estimate the size of those flaws and their distribution, static fatigue tests at high moisture and elevated temperature were conducted as well as static tensile test for single glass fibers at room temperature. The flaw size and their distribution were estimated. The strength distributions for single fibers taken from a roving and a plain weave fabric were also shown.
