Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) are a class of composite materials that consist of a polymer resin reinforced with fibers. They have gained immense popularity in the last few decades due to their light weight, high strength and corrosion resistance properties.
Types of Fibers Used
There are various types of fibers that are used to reinforce the polymer matrix and enhance the strength and mechanical properties of PMCs.
Glass Fibers
Glass fibers are the most commonly used reinforcing fibers in PMCs due to their low cost, high tensile strength and electrical insulating properties. E-glass fibers have high strength but low stiffness, making them ideal for applications requiring strength and impact resistance. S-glass and R-glass fibers have higher strength and stiffness than E-glass and are used where high performance is required.
Carbon Fibers
Carbon fibers have very high strength and stiffness but are more expensive than glass fibers. They are mostly used where high specific stiffness and lightweight performance is needed, like in aerospace and defense applications. Different types are available based on the precursor fiber and processing methods used.
Aramid Fibers
Aramid fibers like Kevlar and Twaron have high strength and heat resistance. They are used for ballistic protection and in applications requiring high strength and fire resistance like conveyor belts, brake pads etc.
Natural Fibers
Natural fibers like hemp, flax, jute etc. are gaining popularity due to their renewable nature. They have low density, acceptable specific properties and are sustainable. However, their mechanical properties are inferior to glass fibers.
Types of Matrices
The matrix holds the reinforcing fibers together and transfers stresses between them. Following are the main polymer matrices used:
Thermosets
Thermoset matrices like epoxy, polyester and vinyl ester are commonly used due to their high strength, heat and chemical resistance. They form irreversible rigid networks during curing which provide dimensional stability.
Thermoplastics
Thermoplastic matrices like polypropylene, nylon and PEEK have advantages of recyclability and ability to fuse without additives. However, they have lower glass transition temperatures than thermosets.
Applications of PMCs
Owing to their high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, Polymer Matrix Composite have applications in various industries:
Automotive Industry
PMCs are increasingly being used to manufacture vehicle bodies, drive shafts, brake pads and other components to reduce weight. Glass fiber reinforced polyester and thermoplastic composites are commonly used.
Aerospace Industry
Around 50% of modern aircraft structures like fuselage and wings are composed of carbon/glass fiber reinforced PMCs. They meet stringent performance standards of this industry.
Defense and Ballistics
Bulletproof jackets, combat vehicles and armor are made using high strength materials like aramid fiber composites.
Sports and Leisure
Graphite/carbon fiber is used to make high-performance, lightweight and durable sporting goods like fishing rods, rackets, sailboats etc.
Electrical and Electronics
PMCs offer high corrosion resistance and electrical insulation for applications like insulators, housings etc. Epoxy glass laminates are extensively used.
Future Scope and Challenges
With continuous R&D, PMCs will become more advanced and substitute more metals in the future. Some key focus areas are developing sustainable and bio-based resins, multifunctional nanocomposites, recycling methods. High initial costs and volatile resin prices are challenges. Overall, PMCs will dominate industries demanding high performance within feasible costs.
In summary, PMCs have emerged as an important class of materials over metals due to their custom-tunable properties, light weight, corrosion resistance and high strength-to-weight ratio. Ongoing advances will see them penetrate new applications across various demanding industries. With sustainable solutions and reduced costs, PMCs are certain to become ubiquitous engineering materials of the future.
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The global advanced composites market size is expected to reach USD 41.20 billion by 2024, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc.
The industry is anticipated to grow, primarily on account of superior benefits such as reduced weight, fuel efficiency and higher strength offered by the materials.Rising demand for specialty products that comply with U.S.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental design (LEED) standards is expected to propel the demand in construction segment Technological innovations aimed at the development of cost-effective manufacturing processes are expected to drive demand.The market for advanced composites is characterized by the presence of a large number of regulations.
The production process of composite materials is heavily regulated on account of critical nature of their usage.
In addition, the usage of such materials is also subject to various regulations related to the strength and performance characteristics, which is likely to affect the growth.Increasing adoption of composites by the automotive industry coupled with reduced raw material prices, is projected to drive the industry growth over the forecast period.
Manufacturing companies are shifting their focus towards the developing economies in regions such as Asia Pacific and Central & South America (CSA), on account superior economies of scale.Further key findings from the report suggest:Carbon is expected to be the fastest-growing segment, in terms of volume, registering a CAGR of 11.9% from 2015 to 2024 owing to its extensive usage in the production of aircraft components such as wings, fuselage, cockpit, and tail surfaces.The use of s-glass based composites in the construction industry is expected to reach a market revenue of USD 2.52 billion by 2024 on account of the superior stress resistance of the product coupled with longer operational lifetimeThe use of aramid fibers for aerospace and defense application is expected to register a CAGR of 5.8% over the forecast period owing to heightened demand for low weight, high-strength materials for aircraft production.Key manufacturers operating in the industry lay extensive focus on the production and development of high strength materials for specific applications in a bid to increase the market share.Access full research report on global advanced composites market: www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/advanced-composites-market
