Polymer Composites: Structure, Properties and Processing

Dear Colleagues,

We all know that composite materials are homogeneous materials, which are obtained by joining two or more different materials with the aim of achieving specific characteristics and properties that do not possess any of the ingredients by themselves. The combination of two or more phases (single-phase or multiphase), (each of these phases is also used as stand-alone material) and a base material (matrix) and additional material (reinforcement or filler) can form a composite.

Whether fibres or particles are used as a reinforcement in thermoplastics and thermosets, it is necessary to establish their structure in the overall composite and how they affect the properties. When talking about classic fibre-reinforced polymer composites, hybridization (whether mixing with different types of fibres in the weave or in different layers) certainly plays a big role because better properties are achieved. In addition, polymer composites reinforced with natural fibres or particles should also be considered, and how to increase their properties so that they can be comparable to, for example, carbon or aramid fibres.

However, for such materials to be used in industry, an important step is the production itself and how the processing parameters affect the composite products. In addition to the classic methods of processing composites regarding fibres (hand lay-up, vacuum bagging filament winding, etc.), in recent years, this has also been achieved by additive manufacturing, the so-called 3D printing, and, for particles, by extrusion.

When production is completed, it is certainly important to establish the properties of the composite product in its application, for example, the effect of aging (various atmospheric conditions) on the mechanical properties, etc.

Even at the very end of product use, disposal, recycling, mechanical, chemical, or energy recovery (incineration) is certainly important.

Dr. Ana Pilipović
Prof. Dr. Phuong Nguyen-Tri
Prof. Dr. Mustafa Özcanli
Guest Editors

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