Houphouet-Boigny, C.Plummer, C. J. G.Wakeman, M. D.Månson, J.-A. E.2009-06-232009-06-232009-06-23200810.1177/0892705707084545https://infoscience.epfl.ch/handle/20.500.14299/40785WOS:000252269700005The feasibility of integrating thermoplastic isotactic polypropylene/ montmorillonite nanocomposite matrices into conventional fiber-reinforced composites has been investigated. Two basic processing routes were considered: long glass fiber (GF)-reinforced composites based on co-wound or co-woven yarns and glass mat reinforced composites. In each case satisfactory impregnation and consolidation were demonstrated, although at high fiber contents, this required increased pressures and/or temperatures in the presence of the montmorillonite. Flexural tests on the glass mat reinforced composites, containing relatively low GF contents, showed the use of a nanocomposite matrix to lead to the significant improvements in bending stiffness and strength.melt spinningfibersfilmstextilesnanocompositesglass mat thermoplasticsmontmorillonitetext::journal::journal article::research article