Composite manufacturing polymer matrix composites

Manufacturing polymer matrix composites Moulding and processing techniques (ISBN 978-0-85709-0674)... 

Other than in polymer matrix composites, the chemical reaction between elements of constituents takes place in different ways. Reaction occurs to form a new compound(s) at the interface region in MMCs, particularly those manufactured by a molten metal infiltration process. Reaction involves transfer of atoms from one or both of the constituents to the reaction site near the interface and these transfer processes are diffusion controlled. Depending on the composite constituents, the atoms of the fiber surface diffuse through the reaction site, (for example, in the boron fiber-titanium matrix system, this causes a significant volume contraction due to void formation in the center of the fiber or at the fiber-compound interface (Blackburn et al., 1966)), or the matrix atoms diffuse through the reaction product. Continued reaction to form a new compound at the interface region is generally harmful to the mechanical properties of composites. 

A.2.4 Discontinuous-Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Matrix Composites Sheet Molding Compound. Of the parameters influencing the mechanical properties in short-fiber-reinforced polymer-matrix composites, fiber composition, matrix composition, fiber geometry, and manufacturing method will be elaborated upon here. 

Specialized Equations for Various Polymer Matrix Composite Manufacturing Processes. . 167... 

Specific balance equations for various polymer matrix composites manufacturing processes (i.e., RTM, IP, and AP) have been obtained by simplifying the balance equations. Particular attention has been paid to state all the assumptions used to arrive at the final equations clearly in order to clearly show the range of applicability of the equations. Moreover, appropriate numerical techniques for solution of these coupled partial differential equations have been briefly outlined and a few example simulations have been performed. 

The manufacture of polymer matrix composites involves complex chemical and physical changes that must be adequately controlled to produce desirable products. Monitoring techniques and models to correlate monitoring data to improve processing are therefore key aspects to increasing production rates and product quality. 

Hubert P, Femlund G, Poursartip A. Autoclave processing for composites. In Advani S, Hsiao K-T, editors. Manufacturing techniques for polymer matrix composites (PMCs). Cambridge (UK) Woodhead Publishing Limited 2012. 

Manufacturing techniques for polymer matrix composites (PMCs)... 

Traditional fibres used as reinforcement in polymer composites are generally either polymers or ceramics the polymer aramids, glass, carbon, boron, aluminium oxide and silicon carbide. Carbon is a high-performance fibre material that is the most commonly used reinforcement in advanced polymer-matrix composites. Glass fibre is readily available and may be fabricated into a glass-reinforced plastic economically using a wide variety of composite-manufacturing techniques. 

Various fabrication methods have been developed in order to attain the 3D scaffold characteristics. In the case of synthetic polymer or polymer-matrix composite scaffolds, the methods include [47] solvent casting and particle leaching, phase separation, extrusion, gas foaming, and free form fabrication. Each method presents certain advantages with respect to others, ranging from ease of manufacture to control of the microstructure/nanostructure. Solvent casting and phase separation methods have been studied at our laboratory. 

Historically, the processing routes moved from the isothermal CVI process to more cost-effective techniques such as gradient-CVI and liquid polymer or liquid silicon infiltration. These routes are faster and lead to shorter manufacture cycles than isothermal CVI and, especially the two liquid phase processes LPI and LSI, use technologies already developed for polymer matrix composites (PMC). 

Description and general properties. Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) consist of a pol)oner matrix or resin reinforced with glass fibers and to a lesser extent carbon, boron and pol)r-aramide fibers. The resin systems used to manufacture advanced composites are of two basic types thermosets and thermoplastics (see Chapter 11). Thermosetting resins predominate today, while thermoplastics have only a minor role in advanced-composite manufacture. Thermoset resins require the addition of a curing agent or hardener and impregnation onto... 

There are many different manufacturing processes that have evolved to fabricate polymer matrix composites. These processes were modified or... 

---