Silane Coupling Agents and Glass Fibre Surfaces: A Perspective

Silicate glass-reinforced composites, based on synthetic resins such as phenolics, ureas, melamines, and unsaturated polyesters, generally became available in the 1940s. The importance of such products in a number of areas, such as aircraft and marine applications, was soon realised, as these products offered high strength and modulus at a reduced weight. However, it was soon uncovered that such products were very susceptible to the effects of ambient humidity. Although the specific dry strength and modulus of these reinforced composites exceed those of aluminium or steel, upon prolonged exposure to humidity, a dramatic decrease in these properties is seen in humid environments [1, 2].