1 - Processing of hybrid polymer composites—a review

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites are important in various fields from household articles to automobiles. Natural and synthetic fibers have low cost, light weight, and have high specific and mechanical strength. Natural fibers have limitations in different applications due to moisture absorption and low thermal stability. The moisture content creates a hurdle for fiber/resin good bonding in composites. Fiber treatment helps to reduce moisture content and enhance interfacial bonding between fibers and matrix. Hybrid composites are a mixture of two different types of fiber that are reinforced in one polymer or vice versa. It shows unique properties that are difficult to achieve from one type of fiber-reinforced polymer composite. Selection of polymer with fibers should always be considered because polymers play a very important role of compatibility with fibers and in the strength of hybrid composites. Different types of polymers need different kinds of manufacturing processes for fabrication of hybrid composites. Thermoset manufacturing techniques of composites consist of a hand lay-up method, compression molding technique, and a pultrusion process. Hand lay-up and compression molding techniques are widely accepted in producing hybrid composites. These techniques are common in both thermosets and thermoplastics polymers. Fiber-reinforced hybrid composites have been emerging widely as potential materials for fabrication of composites for different applications. Using such well-characterized processing techniques and modification methods help to achieve desirable qualities in products.