Sizing emulsions are key in stabilization of glass fibers for use in the fiber-reinforced composites that continue to enjoy rapid growth in applications. To tailor composites with enhanced performance, it is necessary to understand the chemistries that determine sizing emulsion performance, including the epoxy resin film former, coupling agents, surfactants and other additives [1].
Our perspective uses classical Molecular Dynamics (MD) to characterize the mechanism by which a given blend of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA)-trimethoxy-silane (GPS)-triblock copolymer surfactant behaves in aqueous solution. In a stepwise fashion we first show how hydrophobic and weakly amphiphilic characters of DGEBA and GPS, respectively, encourage the formation of core-shell structures wherein the DGEBA molecules form the core and the GPS molecules form the shell. Then the role of Pluronic L35 as surfactant in slowing down the aggregation process is studied in the second step.
This work takes a step toward systematic understanding of the functionality of sizing in allowing pre-cured resin to wet glass surfaces in the context of composite lay-up.
References
[1] R L Gorowara, W E Kosik, S H McKnight, and R L McCullough. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 32(3):323-329, 2001.
