1 - Molecular modelling of composite matrix properties

Abstract

Publisher Summary Fiber composite materials consist of an array of fibers mainly in a polymeric thermosetting matrix. Without support from the resin, the fibers cannot be utilized to their full. In the process of making a composite material, uncured resin is impregnated into the fibers, which are maintained in a free defined orientation. After manufacture into a structure, the resin is cured usually in a high temperature stage. The resin used for composite materials depends on the application of the structure that is being manufactured. In fiber-reinforced plastics, it is common to use unsaturated polyester resins for applications less demanding in mechanical and thermal environments. In advanced composite materials based on high performance fibers such as carbon, most matrices rely heavily on the use of epoxy resins. For high temperature use, other thermosetting resins are in use to a limited degree. These include the cyanate esters and bismaleimides. The high performance matrices bring cure issues with them. As a result, the epoxy resins in various guises are used extensively for the manufacture of carbon fiber and glass fiber-reinforced plastics. These epoxy resins consist of blends of differing functional epoxies with rubber or thermoplastic toughening agents. The thermoplastic modifier also acts as a flow control additive.