The reinforcement mechanism of fiber‐glass reinforced plastics under wet conditions: A review

Abstract Reinforcement mechanisms of fiber‐glass reinforced plastics (FRP) under wet conditions are reviewed with emphasis on molecular structures of glass/matrix interfaces. Included are studies on glass surface, the glass/coupling agent interface, silane coupling agents on glass surfaces as well as in solution, the coupling agent/matrix interface, extending to the interphase of particulate‐filled composites, and matrix resin. For a better understanding of wet strength of FRP, the structures under dry conditions are extensively, reviewed. The chemical bonding theory still dominates other reinforcement theories. The importance of other factors such as orientation of silane coupling agents and the restriction of matrix polymer conformations are also considered. Based on recent development in spectroscopy, molecular level research of the glass/matrix interfaces has been initiated in the past decade, yet only a few spectroscopic investigations on the function of water have appeared. It is concluded that the correlation between spectroscopic investigations and mechanical properties of a FRP is indispensable.