This video presents the classification of polymer composites. There are three types of polymer composites. Important fibres and matrix materials are introduced. Several mechanical property data obtained for some common polymer composites are analyzed.
Summary:
Polymer composites are light, stiff and strong materials when compared with metals.
Commonly, there are three types of polymer composites, particulate-filled, fibre-filled or network type composites. Fibre-filled are two types, continuous fibre or short-fibre composites.
Important fibres used are glass fibre, carbon fibre, aramid or Kevlar fibre and the matrix can be thermoset or thermoplastic polymers.
Carbon fibre composites, often used with epoxy resin matrix, are very stiff, strong and lightweight. Especially, they have very high specific modulus and specific strength. Kevlar composites also have high specific strength. In comparison, metals have low specific modulus and low specific strength values.
Composites also show excellent fracture toughness.
Physical properties such as thermal expansion, thermal resistance and water absorption properties are also improved after adding fillers when compared with those of the matrix.
Short-fibre composites have better strength and modulus if the aspect ratio of the fibres is large.
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