V
Preface
Processing of advanced composites has
witnessed a phenomenal growth over the
last few decades. It is expected to grow at
even a much faster rate due to the emergence of new processing technologies and
the availability of a range of reinforcements and matrices. The choices offered by
the variety of reinforcements and matrices
pose a challenge to selecting the right
combinations of materials—not only from
the point of view of the desired properties
of the end product but also from the processability. Both quality and costeffectiveness are also addressed. The
availability of various processing technologies and their combination makes this task
further complex.
Processability is the capability of any system or material to be converted into the
desired outcome or product. The processability in advanced composites is influenced by many factors, such as the
chemical nature of the matrix and reinforcement, interactions between phases,
physical dimension of the reinforcement,
additives, surface treatments on reinforcement, rheology of the matrix or system,
temperature, pressure, and so on. Processability of constituents of composites is the
key to processing advanced composites for
a desired outcome. In this pursuit, there
will be a greater demand for trained and
highly skilled manpower now than before.
Keeping this demand in mind, the authors
have written this book for the students,
engineers, and technologists who are pursuing a career in the field of processing
advanced composites.
This book covers various topics of interest
with special references to distinct characteristics of processability in the processing
of advanced composites. It starts with
7 Chap. 1, which explains processability
and its dimensions. This chapter further
describes the classification of advanced
composites, properties (physical mechanical, chemical, thermal, etc.) of matrices
and reinforcements, and types of reinforcements (in terms of fibres, weaves, particulate, whiskers, etc.). It also discusses
factors for quantitative understanding of
processability.
In order to make our readers appreciate
the potential of polymeric composites in
various sectors, applications and advantages of polymeric composites are discussed in 7 Chap. 2. This chapter gives an
insight to the enormity of polymeric composites. It is stressed that the processability
aspects for advanced composites have a
direct impact on the performance of the
product.
7 Chapter 3 discusses micromechanics and
macromechanics of advanced composites
to impart a better understanding of composites and their mechanical behaviours
under stress and strains. This chapter outlines theories for the basic understanding
of the performance of advanced composites including the modes of failures. The
influence of interfaces of a matrix and reinforcement for creating interphases in
advanced composites and role of interphases in the composites are also emphasized in this chapter.
The rheology of a matrix and the rheology
of a matrix under the influence of reinforcement are explained in 7 Chap. 4. The
important aspects of processability of thermoset matrices, thermoplastic matrices,
and organic/inorganic/hybrid reinforcements are discussed. The selection methodology for matrices and reinforcement in
regard to their processability and to
develop desired composite product is
explained. The differences between theoretical assessment and practical realities in
processing, depending on the processability of advanced composite, are emphasized
in this book. The processability of preforms and prepregs is also mentioned for a
Preface
Processing of advanced composites has
witnessed a phenomenal growth over the
last few decades. It is expected to grow at
even a much faster rate due to the emergence of new processing technologies and
the availability of a range of reinforcements and matrices. The choices offered by
the variety of reinforcements and matrices
pose a challenge to selecting the right
combinations of materials—not only from
the point of view of the desired properties
of the end product but also from the processability. Both quality and costeffectiveness are also addressed. The
availability of various processing technologies and their combination makes this task
further complex.
Processability is the capability of any system or material to be converted into the
desired outcome or product. The processability in advanced composites is influenced by many factors, such as the
chemical nature of the matrix and reinforcement, interactions between phases,
physical dimension of the reinforcement,
additives, surface treatments on reinforcement, rheology of the matrix or system,
temperature, pressure, and so on. Processability of constituents of composites is the
key to processing advanced composites for
a desired outcome. In this pursuit, there
will be a greater demand for trained and
highly skilled manpower now than before.
Keeping this demand in mind, the authors
have written this book for the students,
engineers, and technologists who are pursuing a career in the field of processing
advanced composites.
This book covers various topics of interest
with special references to distinct characteristics of processability in the processing
of advanced composites. It starts with
7 Chap. 1, which explains processability
and its dimensions. This chapter further
describes the classification of advanced
composites, properties (physical mechanical, chemical, thermal, etc.) of matrices
and reinforcements, and types of reinforcements (in terms of fibres, weaves, particulate, whiskers, etc.). It also discusses
factors for quantitative understanding of
processability.
In order to make our readers appreciate
the potential of polymeric composites in
various sectors, applications and advantages of polymeric composites are discussed in 7 Chap. 2. This chapter gives an
insight to the enormity of polymeric composites. It is stressed that the processability
aspects for advanced composites have a
direct impact on the performance of the
product.
7 Chapter 3 discusses micromechanics and
macromechanics of advanced composites
to impart a better understanding of composites and their mechanical behaviours
under stress and strains. This chapter outlines theories for the basic understanding
of the performance of advanced composites including the modes of failures. The
influence of interfaces of a matrix and reinforcement for creating interphases in
advanced composites and role of interphases in the composites are also emphasized in this chapter.
The rheology of a matrix and the rheology
of a matrix under the influence of reinforcement are explained in 7 Chap. 4. The
important aspects of processability of thermoset matrices, thermoplastic matrices,
and organic/inorganic/hybrid reinforcements are discussed. The selection methodology for matrices and reinforcement in
regard to their processability and to
develop desired composite product is
explained. The differences between theoretical assessment and practical realities in
processing, depending on the processability of advanced composite, are emphasized
in this book. The processability of preforms and prepregs is also mentioned for a