Exxon Research and Engineering Company

Liza M Monette

Michael Paul Anderson

John P Dismukes

Russell R Mueller

Cary N Marzinsky

Arnold Lustiger

H Daniel Wagner

David J Srolovitz

Shiun Ling

Allen S Chiu

A composite having fibers of relatively high elastic modulus embedded in a matrix of relatively low elastic modulus is provided with an interphase of elastic modulus less than the matrix modulus and cohesive energy higher than the matrix cohesive energy. The resulting composite has enhanced strength and toughness.

Composites with interphases and methods of making the same

Composite fiber reinforced structures, such as pipes or storage tanks, having improved resistance to microcracking and delamination and improved containment strength are disclosed. The walls of the structures comprise at least one layer comprising a plurality of continuous reinforcing glass fibers having an average diameter of &lE;about 10 microns impregnated in a resinous binder such as a thermoset epoxy resin.

Composite structures having improved containment strength

A computer model calculates a critical aspect ratio for a discontinuous fiber composite having fibers dispersed in a matrix. The critical aspect ratio is a function of the elastic modulus and the cohesive energy of the fiber and the matrix. The composite incorporates physical features such as fiber shape features or additives in the fiber or matrix which adjust the elastic modulus and/or cohesive energy of the fiber, of the matrix or both to a value different than the corresponding value for unmodified fiber material or matrix material. These adjustments are selected so that the critical aspect ratio for the material including the modifications will be less than the corresponding critical aspect ratio for the material without the modifications. The resulting composite provides enhanced load sharing between fiber and matrix.

Composites and methods of making the same

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Flemington, NJ, United States of America

Liza M Monette