Dr. Dmitri Kopeliovich

According to the Classification of composites:

Polymer Matrix Composite (PMC) is the material consisting of a polymer (resin) matrix combined with a fibrous reinforcing dispersed phase. Polymer Matrix Composites are very popular due to their low cost and simple fabrication methods.

Use of non-reinforced polymers as structure materials is limited by low level of their mechanical properties: tensile strength of one of the strongest polymers - epoxy resin is 20000 psi (140 MPa). In addition to relatively low strength, polymer materials possess low impact resistance.

Reinforcement of polymers by strong fibrous network permits fabrication of Polymer Matrix Composites (PMC) characterized by the following properties:

• High tensile strength;
• High stiffness;
• High Fracture Toughness;
• Good abrasion resistance;
• Good puncture resistance;
• Good corrosion resistance;
• Low cost.

The main disadvantages of Polymer Matrix Composites (PMC) are:

• Low thermal resistance;
• High coefficient of thermal expansion.

Two types of polymers are used as matrix materials for fabrication composites: Thermosets (epoxies, phenolics) and Thermoplastics (Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene, nylon, acrylics).

According to the reinforcement material the following groups of Polymer Matrix Composites (PMC) are used:

• Fiberglasses – Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers;
• Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites;
• Kevlar (aramid) fiber reinforced polymers.

Reinforcing fibers may be arranged in different forms:

• Unidirectional fibers;
• Rovings;
• Veil mat: thin pile of randomly orientated and looped continuous fibers;
• Chopped strands: thin pile of randomly orientated and looped short (3-4 inches) fibers;
• Woven fabric.

Properties of Polymer Matrix Composites are determined by:

• Properties of the fibers;
• Orientation of the fibers;
• Concentration of the fibers;
• Properties of the matrix.

Properties of Polymer Matrix Composites may be estimated by the Rule of Mixtures.

Polymer Matrix Composites (PMC) are used for manufacturing: secondary load-bearing aerospace structures, boat bodies, canoes, kayaks, automotive parts, radio controlled vehicles, sport goods (golf clubs, skis, tennis racquets, fishing rods), bullet-proof vests and other armor parts, brake and clutch linings.

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• Fiberglasses
• Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites
• Kevlar (aramid) fiber reinforced polymers
• Open mold fabrication of Polymer Matrix Composites
• Closed mold fabrication of Polymer Matrix Composites
• Pultrusion
• Classification of composites
• Structure of composites
• Estimations of composite materials properties

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