Polymer composites thermosets

Although thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers can be used as matrix of polymer composites, thermosets are more widely used mainly due to the processing techniques employed in their manufactme, that allow for the easy use of long fibers, mats and fabrics as reinforcement. Thermosets are also generally more thermally stable than thermoplastics, and these two reasons lead to products with significantly higher mechanical properties which are less affected by thermal variations than thermoplastic composites [1,2,12],... 

First-generation polymer composites (e.g., fiberglass) used thermosetting epoxy polymers reinforced with randomly oriented short glass fibers. The filled epoxy resin could be cured into a permanent shape in a mold to give lightweight, moderately strong shapes. 

Details are given of the development of energy and material recycling processes for thermosetting polymer composites. Applications in the cement industry and in coal fired fluidised bed combustion plants are discussed. 3 refs. 

---