VII
Contents
1
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1
Processability .......................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2
Dimensions of Processability ............................................................................................................ 6
1.3
Influencing Parameters in Processability ..................................................................................... 8
1.4
Classification .......................................................................................................................................... 10
1.4.1 Polymeric Matrix Composites (PMCs) .............................................................................................. 11
1.4.2 Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) ................................................................................................. 11
1.4.3 Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) ..................................................................................................... 13
1.4.4 Carbon–Carbon Composites (CCCs) ................................................................................................ 13
1.5
Properties of Reinforcements .......................................................................................................... 15
1.6
Properties of Matrix Resins ............................................................................................................... 19
1.7
Properties of Polymeric Composites ............................................................................................. 20
1.7.1 Physical and Mechanical Behaviour ................................................................................................. 21
1.7.2 Thermal Behaviour ................................................................................................................................ 21
1.7.3 Electrical Behaviour ............................................................................................................................... 24
1.7.4 Hygrothermal Behaviour ..................................................................................................................... 24
1.7.5 Chemical and UV Resistance .............................................................................................................. 25
References ................................................................................................................................................ 28
2
Advantages and Applications of Polymeric Composites ......................................... 29
2.1
Advantages of Polymeric Composites .......................................................................................... 30
2.2
Disadvantages of Composites ......................................................................................................... 41
2.3
Applications of Polymeric Composites ........................................................................................ 45
2.3.1 Agriculture ............................................................................................................................................... 45
2.3.2 Aviation ..................................................................................................................................................... 45
2.3.3 Stealth Aircrafts and Frigates ............................................................................................................. 47
2.3.4 Automotive and Other Transportation Vehicles .......................................................................... 48
2.3.5 Building and Construction .................................................................................................................. 49
2.3.6 Corrosion Resistance ............................................................................................................................ 50
2.3.7 Defence ..................................................................................................................................................... 50
2.3.8 Marine ....................................................................................................................................................... 50
2.3.9 Electrical and Electronic Appliances ................................................................................................ 51
2.3.10 Sports Equipment .................................................................................................................................. 52
2.3.11 Healthcare ................................................................................................................................................ 52
2.3.12 General Engineering ............................................................................................................................. 53
References ................................................................................................................................................ 55
3
Micromechanics and Macromechanics of Polymeric Composites ...................... 59
3.1
Micromechanics of Polymeric Composites ................................................................................. 60
3.1.1 Rule of Mixtures...................................................................................................................................... 60
3.1.2 Mechanism of Load Transfer .............................................................................................................. 65
3.1.3 Failure Modes in Polymeric Composites ......................................................................................... 66
3.1.4 Short Fibre Composites ....................................................................................................................... 68
3.2
Macromechanics of Polymeric Composites ................................................................................ 70
3.2.1 Analysis of Anisotropic Composite Laminae ................................................................................. 70
3.2.2 Orthotropy in Composites .................................................................................................................. 73
3.3
Performance of Polymeric Composites ........................................................................................ 74
References ................................................................................................................................................ 77