Rheology of Epoxy/Synthetic Fiber Composites

Rheology studies the deformation and the flow that materials show under the effect of external forces applied to bodies. So that, rheology can study a variety of materials, from elastic Hookean solids to viscous Newtonian liquids. Rheological analysis finds applications mainly in material development but also in several industrial aspects, such as their handling and storage. Rheometry is the study of rheological properties. It comprises several ad hoc analyses able to identify the flow law and the mechanical constitutive models of materials tested. Rheometry is also useful in those processes focused to the optimization of material properties, thanks to the possibility to predict the long-term behavior of tested materials in specific working conditions. In synthetic fiber composites materials, rheological analysis can help to understand properties of raw materials and final products. In particular, rheology can give several information related to production processes, storage, ranges of optimal working conditions, and durability. The first part of this chapter illustrates some basic aspects of rheology and the theory behind rheological tests. The fundamental terminology and the most common flow rules related to polymeric materials will be here explained. In the second part, the most important applications of rheology in fiber-reinforced epoxy composites will be illustrated to underline the importance of this science in the industrial world.