Polymers

Objectives
To understand the properties, uses, and advantages of
polymer composites.

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 Content

 Composites
 Classifications
 Polymer matrix composites
 Fibre reinforce polymer composites

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 Composites

Definition
Composite material is a material composed of two or more distinct phases
(matrix phase and dispersed phase), which are insoluble with each other and
having extraordinary mechanical properties significantly different from those
of any of the constituents.

Constitution
The basic components of composite materials are:
Matrix phase:
The primary phase, having a continuous character, is called matrix. Matrix is
usually more ductile and less hard phase. It holds the dispersed phase and
shares a load with it.

Dispersed (reinforcing) phase:

The secondary phase (or phases) is imbedded in the matrix in a
discontinuous form. This secondary phase is called dispersed phase.
Dispersed phase is usually stronger than the matrix, therefore it is sometimes
called reinforcing phase.
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 Composites
The final properties of the composites are determined by
The properties of the constituent phases,
Their relative amounts and
The geometry of the dispersed phase,
The shape and size of the particles,
Their distribution and orientation.
 
The functions of matrix in fiber composites:
• It binds fibers together and acts as a medium.
• The stress applied can be transmitted and distributed to the reinforcing phase
(fibers), only a small portion of the applied load is sustained by matrix phase.
• It protect the individual fiber from surface damage due to mechanical abrasion
or chemical reaction by environment
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• It separates the individual fibers v 1.2
 Classification of Composites
I. Based on the base material

Metal Matrix Composites (MMC)

Metal Matrix Composites are composed of a metallic matrix (Aluminum,
Molybdenum, Iron, Cobalt, Nickel, Copper) and a dispersed ceramic powders
or metallic oxides, carbides (lead, tungsten, molybdenum, Titanium) phase.

Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC)

Ceramic Matrix Composites are composed of a ceramic matrix and imbedded
fibers of other ceramic material (dispersed phase).
Ex: Cermet: Cermet is a composite material composed of ceramic (cer) and
metallic (met) materials. The metallic elements used are nickel, molybdenum,
and cobalt. Depending on the physical structure of the material, cermets can
also be metal matrix composites. cermets are usually less than 20% metal by
volume.

Polymer Matrix Composites (PMC)

Polymer Matrix Composites are composed of a matrix from thermoset (
Unsaturated Polyester (UP), Epoxiy (EP)) or thermoplastic (
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Polycarbonate (PC), Polyvinylchloride, Nylon, Polysterene) and embedded
glass, carbon, steel or Kevlar fibers (dispersed phase).
 Fiber reinforced polymers (FRP)
Matrix phase: polymers, ex.: Thermoset (Unsaturated Polyester (UP),
Epoxiy (EP), (Polycarbonate (PC), Polyvinylchloride, Nylon, Polysterene)
Dispersed (reinforcing) phase: fiber (glass, carbon, aramide, steel and
metal fibrs)

Characteristics of FRP:
Dispersed phase in form of fibers (Fibrous Composites) improves
strength, stiffness and Fracture Toughness of the material.

The strength is more when the fibers are arranged in a particular

direction (preferred orientation) than in the random arrangements.

The specific strength, specific modulus and stiffness are greater in

long-fiber (continuous-fiber) reinforced composites than in
short-fiber (discontinuous-fiber) reinforced composites.
 Characteristics (contd.)

 Short-fiber reinforced composites, consisting of a matrix reinforced

with a dispersed phase in form discontinuous fibers (length < 100
micrometer diameter), has a limited ability to share load.

 Soft fiber in hard matrix gives greater shock resistance

• Hard fiber in soft matrix gives greater strength and abrasion

resistance
The Characteristics of FRP depends on:

Nature and properties of both fibers as well as matrix phase

Their relative volume fraction.

Orientations and distribution of fibers in matrix phase

Length to diameter ratio of the fibers.

Number of fibers per unit volume.

The strength of the interfacial force between the fiber and

matrix phase
The essential conditions for preparing a fiber reinforced
composite:

The co-efficient of expansion of the fiber matches closely to

the matrix.

The fiber material should not react or dissolve in the matrix

phase.

The fibers should be stable at room temp. and should retain

a good percentage of strength at elevated temp.
 Application

Aerospace and automotive fields, as well as in sailboats,

and notably in modern bicycles and motorcycles, where its
high strength to weight ratio is of importance.

Common in small consumer goods as well, such as laptop

computers,Tripods, fishing rods, paintball equipment,
Racquet sports frames,
Stringed instrument bodies, classical guitar strings,
Drum shells etc.
 Summary
 Various composite materials by the combination of metals,
ceramics and polymers to produce new generation of
extraordinary materials having combination of superior
mechanical characteristic a such as toughness, stiffness and
high temp. strength.

 Fiber reinforced polymers (FRP) : Matrix phase: polymers,

Dispersed (reinforcing) phase: fiber (glass, carbon, aramide,
steel and metal fibers)

 The functions of matrix in fiber composites: It binds fibers

together and acts as a medium, transmit and distribute the
stress to the reinforcing phase (fibers), protect the individual
fiber from surface damage and it separates the individual fibers.