Polymer Matrix Composites (PMC)

• Composite material composed of short or continuous fibers bounded

together by an organic polymer metals
• Also referred as fiber reinforced plastics (FRP)
• The matrix can basically be any type of plastic: epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester,
polypropylene (PP)

On the basis of polymer resin used composite materials can be classified into
two categories:
1. Thermoplastic composites
2. Thermo-set composites

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1. Thermoplastic composites
• This type of composite material consists of thermoplastic resin like
polyester, HDPE etc.
• Lesser used as high-tech due to their higher viscosity which cause problem
during their penetration into the reinforcement
• Thermoplastics have better toughness and impact resistance than thermo-
sets
• Parts can be made and joined by heating
• Can be recycled
• Soften on heating and stiffen on cooling

Examples:
• High density polyethylene (HDPE)
• Low density Polyethylene (LDPE)
• Polypropylene
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

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2. Thermo-set Composites
• In these composites thermo-sets polymers like epoxy, unsaturated
polyester and vinyl ester are used as resin
• Polymer that become an infusible and insoluble mass on heating are called
‘Thermosetting polymers’
• Plastic made of these polymers can be stretched and have a high melting
point

Examples:
• Bekalite
• Zerea-formaldehyde (electrical fittings, adhesives)
• Malamine formaldehyde (Laminates for work surfaces, electrical
insulations)

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Thank You!