Fiberglass Fabric Glossary
E-GLASS CLOTH
E-Glass Cloth has been available since the 1940鈥檚 and is still the most widely used
and the most economical composite reinforcement. It is made from strands of
continuous glass filaments plied and twisted into yarn. It is chrome finished (Volan
A) and is suitable for use with all polyester, vinyl-ester, and epoxy resins.
S-2 GLASS CLOTH
S-2 Glass Cloth was developed by Owens Corning for military missile applica-
tions. Compared to E-Glass, S-2 Glass has much greater tensile strength, flexural
strength, flexural modulus, and compressive strength. S-2 Glass laminates also
exhibit improved impact resistance, toughness, a high-service temperature, and
reduced weight. Often used for high-performance surf and sail boards.
FIBERGLASS MAT
Knytex combines two layers of unidirectional fabrics and multidirectional mat that
are stitch-bonded together with polyester yarn. Knytex fibers lie in a flat plane for
greater stiffness and strength than woven fabrics. The knitting process increases
fiber density and lowers the resin content to as low as 40%.
SPECIALTY FABRICS
Easy to use鈥ike putting down two layers at one time鈥t does not come apart.
Faster wet-out, higher impact strength, greater strength (with less weight), and
reduced gel coat print-through. Resin and labor costs are reduced. Overall weight
is less. Compatible with epoxy, polyester, and vinyl-ester resins.
Kevlar 49, a high modulus fabric, is designed for plastic reinforcements. It displays
excellent stability over a wide range of temperatures for prolonged periods. Even
at a temperature as low as -320掳F (-196掳C) Kevlar shows essentially no brittleness
or strength loss. Excellent dimensional stability and fatigue resistance. It, also, has
resistance to chemicals and moisture.
Carbon Fiber, also referred to as graphite fiber, is one of the strongest and stiffest
reinforcements available. When properly engineered, carbon fiber advanced compos-
ites can achieve the strength and stiffness of metal parts at significant weight savings.
In addition to the high strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratios, carbon
fibers are thermally and electrically conductive, have low thermal expansion coeffi-
cients, and have excellent fatigue resistance.
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