Industry Glossary - R

Bundles which have clung to the chopper or cot which are chopped again into shorter lengths. Re-chop causes excessive chopper fuzz as the strands are cut and mashed into smaller bundles.

Process for molding polyurethane, epoxy, and other liquid chemical systems. Mixing of two to four components in the proper chemical ratio is accomplished by a high-pressure impingement-type mixing head, from which the mixed material is delivered into the mold at low pressure, where it reacts (cures).

Compound consisting of a polymer and a reinforcement fiber or filler supplied by raw material producer in the form of ready-to-use materials.

Molded, formed, filament-wound, tape-wrapped, or shaped plastic parts consisting of resins to which reinforcing fibers, mats, fabrics, and so forth, have been added before the forming operation to provide some strength properties greatly superior to those of the base resin.

A reaction injection molding with a reinforcement added.

Strong material bonded into a matrix to improve its mechanical properties. Reinforcements are usually long fibers, chopped fibers, whiskers, particulates, and so forth. The term should not be used synonymously with filler.

Compound used to reduce surface tension or adhesion between a mold and a part.

Solid or pseudosolid organic material, usually of high molecular weight, that exhibits a tendency to flow when subjected to stress. Most resins are polymers. In reinforced plastics, the material used to bind together the reinforcement material. and Polymer.

Localized area filled with resin and lacking reinforcing material.

Localized area of insufficient resin, usually identified by low gloss, dry spots, or fiber showing on the surface.

Separation of pigments in a gel coat affecting cosmetic appearance.

A process whereby catalyzed resin is transferred or injected into an enclosed mold in which the fiberglass reinforcement has been placed. See RTM within the site.

The propensity of the glass bundles to “stick” together and act as a strand or end.

A collection of untwisted strands wound together into a doff (ball). Also another name for the fabrication process step.

The final product sold to the customer. It was made by roving or pulling together a group of forming cakes (the number of which depends upon the product being made).

Reinforced plastic, polymer or polyester.

Sometimes used to distinguish reinforced thermoplastic from reinforced thermosetting plastic.

When combined, the properties of the composite material is some combination of the properties of the two constituent materials. The composite property equals the amount of the fiber property multiplied by the volume percentage of fiber, plus the amount of matrix property multiplied by the volume percentage of matrix.

The process of pulling the glass from the doff to the chopper.

The channel through which thermoplastic material moves through a mold.