Composite Aspect Ratio

The ratio of length of a reinforcing fibre to its diameter is called as aspect ratio. In the so-called fibre reinforced plastics or composites the aspect ratio is greater than 100. Though, if aspect ratio is less than 180 but greater than 10 then the reinforcing phase is called as whisker. If length of fibres is smaller still, i.e. the aspect ratio is less than 10 then the reinforcing phase is termed particulate. The particles, frequently called dispersoid in reference to their reinforcing action are being used increasingly to produce particulate reinforced composite and present many advantages over fibre reinforcement. However, such reinforcements are better utilized in metal matrix than plastic matrix. The size of particles might vary from 0.1 to 1 μm in which case composite is termed dispersion reinforced. If reinforcing particles are greater than 1.0 μm in size than we attain particle reinforced composite.