An introduction to polymer-matrix composites

The book emerges from my work at the Ulster Polytechnic/University of Ulster, where I met and worked with various characters and personalities and I would like to mention Lesley Hawe, the late Archie Holmes, Myrtle Young who epitomise for me the constant kindness, help and support I received from the academic, technical and secretarial staff over the years. The book incorporates material taken from various sources, including my lecture notes, research outcomes of my postgraduate students, some of them have become friends for life, and some excellent text books, research papers/news, industry/company/organisation literature and web material that we are so fortunate to have access to. The sources of the materials used are gratefully acknowledged and are listed as references, however, over the years material permeates into teaching notes that is not always possible to trace the references for. I apologise, therefore, for any such material that has no accompanying reference and I express my thanks and gratitude to the people concerned. A special thank you goes to my wife for her proof reading, for the offers of regular walks to blow away the cobwebs and visits to “Waterstones” for coffee and book browsing.