8
1
The large window created by the processability of composite
materials has made them a major class of structural materials.
Presently, polymeric composites are either used or being considered as substitutions for metals/conventional materials in aerospace, automotive, and other industries. Examples of some products,
which were manufactured with conventional materials and presently are being manufactured using advanced composites, are given
in . Table 1.3.
1.3 Influencing Parameters in Processability
The processability in polymeric composites ensures the realization of a composite product for its performance with cost-effectiveness. The processability factors for the matrix, reinforcement,
and processing technology will decide the outcome of the product. A brief picture of the processability parameters for the matrix,
reinforcement, and processing of composites is given here. The
detailed discussion on these aspects will be carried out in subsequent chapters.
1. Processability Parameters of a Matrix
5 Viscosity during processing
5 Wettability with reinforcement
5 Chemical interaction with reinforcement
5 Reactivity or evolution of byproduct
5 Cross-link density
5 Gelation time
2. Processability Parameters for Reinforcement
5 Surface treatment
5 Interphase
5 Thermal stability
5 Pliability/shaping
5 Percolation of matrix
3. Processability Parameters for the Processing of Composites
5 Compatibility with the form of reinforcement
5 Flow of matrix
5 Process compatibility of matrix
5 Production rate
5 Cost of production
These factors indicate that processability has a big influence on
composite products as outlined here.
5 Performance of Composites—Processability drives the performance of the composite. The selection of raw materials and
processing technology yield a useable product with the
required performance. If the compatibility of raw materials
with the process is not there, the performance of the product is
likely to suffer. Also, the design of the product dictates the
selection of raw materials and processing technology. For
example, a product having a shape undercut may not be
processed by compression moulding technology [9, 10].
Chapter 1 · Introduction
1
The large window created by the processability of composite
materials has made them a major class of structural materials.
Presently, polymeric composites are either used or being considered as substitutions for metals/conventional materials in aerospace, automotive, and other industries. Examples of some products,
which were manufactured with conventional materials and presently are being manufactured using advanced composites, are given
in . Table 1.3.
1.3 Influencing Parameters in Processability
The processability in polymeric composites ensures the realization of a composite product for its performance with cost-effectiveness. The processability factors for the matrix, reinforcement,
and processing technology will decide the outcome of the product. A brief picture of the processability parameters for the matrix,
reinforcement, and processing of composites is given here. The
detailed discussion on these aspects will be carried out in subsequent chapters.
1. Processability Parameters of a Matrix
5 Viscosity during processing
5 Wettability with reinforcement
5 Chemical interaction with reinforcement
5 Reactivity or evolution of byproduct
5 Cross-link density
5 Gelation time
2. Processability Parameters for Reinforcement
5 Surface treatment
5 Interphase
5 Thermal stability
5 Pliability/shaping
5 Percolation of matrix
3. Processability Parameters for the Processing of Composites
5 Compatibility with the form of reinforcement
5 Flow of matrix
5 Process compatibility of matrix
5 Production rate
5 Cost of production
These factors indicate that processability has a big influence on
composite products as outlined here.
5 Performance of Composites—Processability drives the performance of the composite. The selection of raw materials and
processing technology yield a useable product with the
required performance. If the compatibility of raw materials
with the process is not there, the performance of the product is
likely to suffer. Also, the design of the product dictates the
selection of raw materials and processing technology. For
example, a product having a shape undercut may not be
processed by compression moulding technology [9, 10].
Chapter 1 · Introduction