Sizing up the interphase: an insider's guide to the science of sizing

Sizing is a surface coating of organic materials applied to nearly all types of man-made fibres during their manufacture. In the case of glass fibres, sizing is probably the key component influencing the success or failure of most reinforcement products. This is due to the major role played by the sizing in the price, processiblity. and performance of that product. Due to its physical location on the fibre surface, sizing is also a critical component in the formation and properties of the fibre-matrix interphase. Therefore, any attempt to understand the science of the composite interphase must encompass an understanding of the science of sizing. In this paper we will review the role of sizings from fibre manufacture through to performance of composite parts. The review is illustrated by practical examples of sizing development and results from more fundamental studies of sizing application and absorption. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.