Chapter 2 - Advanced polymer composite materials and their components

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of polymer matrix materials and fibers. The mechanical and physical properties of the composite are controlled by their constituent properties and by micro-structural configurations. The reinforcing of a low modulus matrix with high strength and modulus fibers utilizes the visco-elastic displacement of the low-modulus matrix under stress to transfer the load to the fiber; this results in a high strength, high modulus composite. The transfer of loads and improved toughness provided by the matrix and the interface are prerequisites for the properties of the composite but the reinforcement is primarily responsible for these properties. Advanced composites offer greatly reduced maintenance compared with steel and concrete and, therefore, offer whole life cost benefits. Design costs of advanced composite applications are very high because of the complexity of the design process and the need to optimize material content. The matrix material of an advanced polymer composite is a low strength and low modulus component and the fiber are of high strength and high modulus component. Several different polymer matrices can be utilized in advanced composites, but in construction only a relatively small number are actually used.