Polymer composite structures hybrids/other composites

One of the principal features of the compounds discussed above is their ability to be transformed into final products and/or articles from mixtures of almost any composition, even those whose components have little compatibility. The use of oligomers and monomers of various chemical structures expands the assortment of materials and articles that can be produced by combining different components. The interest in so-called hybrid binders, interpenetrating networks, polymer-oligomer systems, and other possible reactive components has increased during recent years. 

Although the uses of ceramic fibres in composite structures lie mainly in ceramic-matrix and metal-matrix composites, where their outstanding chemical and thermal resistance are important, there are a few applications in organic polymers. Their relevant properties are low thermal expansion, low electrical conductivity, low dielectric constant, high stiffness, good compressive strength, and in most cases complete resistance to combustion. On the other hand they are very brittle, hard to process, and mostly considerably more expensive than carbon and para-aramid fibres. They have, for example, been used in hybrid structures with carbon and para-aramid and in electronic circuit boards. The fibres available or potentially available include alumina, combinations of alumina with... 

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