54
2
Composites and their applications have made a tremendous
impact on the world during last three decades or so. The growth of
the composite market is above 8% globally. The Asia and Pacific
regions are registering a 24% total use of composites. Composites
have found wide acceptance due to their ability to adapt to varied
environments because they can be made to suit the given environment. Also, being dielectric and noncorrosive in nature, composites
can be combined with other materials easily. The world is witnessing new research in the area of composites in terms of materials and
processes to make them more cost-effective and versatile.
However, there is a need for an improved awareness, adaptation
to technology, versatility, and applications among all stakeholders.
The flow of knowledge into industry has not come up to the desired
level in many developing and underdeveloped countries. It is high
time to bring awareness among industries on technological aspects
for the proliferation of technology and subsequent commercialization. The increased awareness and knowledge among industries will
significantly boost the use of composites and lead to further innovations in composites.
Fibre-reinforced composites based on a high-performance
polymer could provide an enormous scope and opportunity to
replace metals. For example, approximately 30% of the components
for the super Airbus A380, which will carry 550 passengers, are
expected to be made of CFRP.
In next chapter, a detailed look at the micromechanics and macromechanics of polymeric composites will be discussed. This will
impart an insight into the mechanism of the engineering behaviour
of composites.
To Be Remembered
1. Advantages offered by polymeric composites are in their
performance, cost, and production rate.
2. Use of natural fibre reinforcement reduces the weight of
composites by 20–30%.
3. Pressure vessels can be made twice as strong in the
circumferential direction as in the axial with the use of
composites.
4. CFRP leaf springs overcome the need for the maintenance
and lubrication of shock absorbers.
5. CFRP leaf springs in a rail wagon has dispensed with the
necessity of steel springs.
6. Composites offer the in situ mouldability of metallic inserts.
7. Composites are designed to be the best ablative materials.
8. Composites are good dampening materials and are
corrosion resistant.
9. Composites offer radar-transparent properties and are used
as nose cones and radomes in aircrafts, missiles, SATCOM
antennas, etc.
10. Catastrophic failures occur often in composites.
Chapter 2 · Advantages and Applications of Polymeric Composites
2
Composites and their applications have made a tremendous
impact on the world during last three decades or so. The growth of
the composite market is above 8% globally. The Asia and Pacific
regions are registering a 24% total use of composites. Composites
have found wide acceptance due to their ability to adapt to varied
environments because they can be made to suit the given environment. Also, being dielectric and noncorrosive in nature, composites
can be combined with other materials easily. The world is witnessing new research in the area of composites in terms of materials and
processes to make them more cost-effective and versatile.
However, there is a need for an improved awareness, adaptation
to technology, versatility, and applications among all stakeholders.
The flow of knowledge into industry has not come up to the desired
level in many developing and underdeveloped countries. It is high
time to bring awareness among industries on technological aspects
for the proliferation of technology and subsequent commercialization. The increased awareness and knowledge among industries will
significantly boost the use of composites and lead to further innovations in composites.
Fibre-reinforced composites based on a high-performance
polymer could provide an enormous scope and opportunity to
replace metals. For example, approximately 30% of the components
for the super Airbus A380, which will carry 550 passengers, are
expected to be made of CFRP.
In next chapter, a detailed look at the micromechanics and macromechanics of polymeric composites will be discussed. This will
impart an insight into the mechanism of the engineering behaviour
of composites.
To Be Remembered
1. Advantages offered by polymeric composites are in their
performance, cost, and production rate.
2. Use of natural fibre reinforcement reduces the weight of
composites by 20–30%.
3. Pressure vessels can be made twice as strong in the
circumferential direction as in the axial with the use of
composites.
4. CFRP leaf springs overcome the need for the maintenance
and lubrication of shock absorbers.
5. CFRP leaf springs in a rail wagon has dispensed with the
necessity of steel springs.
6. Composites offer the in situ mouldability of metallic inserts.
7. Composites are designed to be the best ablative materials.
8. Composites are good dampening materials and are
corrosion resistant.
9. Composites offer radar-transparent properties and are used
as nose cones and radomes in aircrafts, missiles, SATCOM
antennas, etc.
10. Catastrophic failures occur often in composites.
Chapter 2 · Advantages and Applications of Polymeric Composites