Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Based Composites: Processing, Characterization and Performance II

Dear Colleagues,

Fiber-reinforced polymer-based composites constitute an important class of materials for semi-structural or structural applications in numerous industrial sectors (transport, energy, civil engineering, sport, etc.). Historically involved organic matrices are thermosets (such as epoxies, unsaturated polyesters, phenolics, and bismaleimides), but more recent efforts have focused on the development of performant thermoplastic-based composites (such as acrylics, polyamides, PEEK, and PEKK). Reinforcement is brought on by short or continuous fibers which can be of various natures (glass, basalt, carbon, hemp, etc.) and may be combined as hybrid fabrics.

There is still room for improvement in polymer-based composites’ performances, for instance, in terms of damage tolerance or to include additional functionalities such as electrical conductivity. The processing and assembly of dissimilar composites (e.g., thermoset/thermoplastic) is also a key challenge.

Progress can be achieved on the organic matrix through new petroleum- or bio-based chemistries, the introduction of inorganic/organic particles or the design of multiphasic materials. The polymer/fiber interphase is also a key component to be investigated and improved: composite performances are strongly conditioned by interfacial adhesion and toughness, which depend on fiber sizing chemistry and physics, on interphase chemical composition, as well as on fiber impregnation quality. Processing steps must also be optimized in terms of efficiency and quality by designing new unreactive or reactive routes, and new semi-products and processing tools.

In this Special Issue dedicated to “Fiber-Reinforced Polymer-Based Composites: Processing, Characterization and Performance II”, we kindly invite you to submit scientific contributions which report on recent progresses in the field described above.

Prof. Dr. Jean-François Gérard
Prof. Dr. Jannick Duchet-Rumeau
Dr. Frederic Lortie
Guest Editors

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