Glass fiber sizing compositions and methods of using same

Abstract

The present invention is directed to sizing compositions for use on glass fibers which are used to reinforce lamination resins used in the formation of glass laminates. The sizing compositions contain a low molecular weight, polymer latex prepared by polymerizing at least one monomer(s) selected from the group consisting of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkyl esters of acrylic acid, C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 alkyl esters of methacrylic acid, glycidyl acrylate, glycidyl methacrylate, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydroxyalkyl esters of acrylic acid, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydroxyalkyl esters of methacrylic acid, vinyl esters of saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids containing up to 10 carbon atoms, (meth)acrylamide and their N-substituted derivatives, vinyl ethers, N-vinyl lactams, halogenated vinyl compounds, alkyl vinyl ketones, (meth)allyl ester of saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids, vinyl compounds such as vinyl pyrrole, olefins, diesters of itaconic, maleic and/or fumaric acid, and styrene. The polymers have a molecular weight effective to provide both improved wettability of the glass fibers by the lamination resins and improved clarity of reinforced glass laminates prepared from the sized glass fibers and the lamination resins, when compared to sizing compositions known heretofore. The invention is also directed to glass fibers treated with such compositions, and fiber-reinforced plastics prepared from such treated glass fibers.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.