Hybridized composites for resistance to fiber release

Under certain conditions of combined fire and impact, graphite fibers are released to the atmosphere by graphite fiber composites. This investigation was conducted to improve the retention of graphite fiber in these situations. Hybrid combinations of graphite tape and cloth, glass cloth, and resin additives were studied with epoxy and polyimide resin systems. Polyimide resins formed the most resistant composites and resins based on simple novolac epoxies the least resistant of those tested. Great improvement in the containment of the fibers was obtained using graphite/glass hybrids, and nearly complete prevention of individual fiber release was made possible by the use of resin additives.