Modification of reinforced thermosetting plastic with ultraviolet radiation

Curing of filled systems previously treated with UV radiation is a first-order process with respect to the oligomers that takes place in the diffusion region. The slowing effect of viscose fibres in the initial stage of curing increases the impact strength of the reinforced material. The UV radiation increases the probability of linear chain growth during curing and results in material with a high average weight of crosslinked chains. UV treatment increases the impact strength and static bending breaking stress by 20–50% in comparison to materials obtained without irradiation and is an effective method of modification. The polymer reinforcement decreases the density and increases the strength characteristics of concrete articles in comparison to unreinforced concrete. __________ Translated from Khimicheskie Volokna, No. 1, pp. 45–48, January–February, 2008.