Estimation of average fibre length in short-fibre composites by a two-section method

A novel and robust experimental technique is proposed for predicting the average fibre length in layered composites by using data generated from two parallel, closely spaced sections of a specimen. The method estimates the average fibre length on the basis of the ratio of matched fibres appearing in both cross-sections to the total number observed in a single cross-section. The experimental results of the two-section method were verified by using a conventional binder burnout process, in which residual fibres were measured and recorded directly. The direct measurement results confirmed the average fibre length predictions of the two-section fibre matching method.