With a higher level of fiber compaction, we achieve a higher fiber volume fraction in the composite. With just a 5% improvement in fiber volume fraction, we can gain about 4.2% improvement in mechanical properties.
Of significant importance with improved fiber compaction is either enhanced fatigue life or greater load carrying capacity for the same fatigue life. Of great interest is improved structural performance with a higher fatigue endurance limit, which can be achieved through increased compaction. By increasing the volume of fibers in the compacted composite, the load share in the polymer system reduces. Thus, the conditions of fatigue crack initiation and propagation are enhanced, allowing an improved fatigue life of the polymer or increasing the load level (reducing weight) for the same polymer fatigue life.
The development of high temperature thermoplastic polymers with enhanced moisture absorption resistance provides a significant improvement in the glass transition temperature and the effects on moisture. This characteristic of thermoplastic polymers provides a substantial aid to the application in high moisture environments, where high occasional operational temperatures are present.
Thermoplastic polymers tend to retain their mechanical properties with better environmental resistance. Thermoplastic
Lower fluid absorption by weight gain results in a relatively lesser change in mechanical properties.