Polymer Composites

Introduction to composite materials Classification - advantages - polymer composites. Thermosetting and thermoplastic matrix materials – Reinforcements-Types and Forms-particulate, flake, fibrous etc.- coupling agents-Principles of composite reinforcement. Effect of reinforcement on composite properties.

Theory of composite materials Calculation of composite properties- mechanism of load transfer, minimum and critical fibre content, critical fibre length- Rule of mixtures – Halpin -Tsai - equation.

Compounding of Thermoplastics Twin screw extrusion, compression moulding- compounding of polyolefins, polystyrene and styrene copolymers, engineering polymers, wood floor and natural fiber filled plastics, compounding lines, post compounding operations.

• FRP processing Important methods - hand layup, spray up, filament winding, compression moulding, injection moulding, resin, transfer moulding, reaction injection moulding, pultrusion,
• Miscellaneous Methods Machinery, operation, advantages and disadvantages.

• Characterization of Composites Control of particle/fibre and porosity content, particle/fibre distribution, Interfacial Reaction of matrix-reinforcing component, Coating of reinforcing component, Strength analysis Testing Quality control & end use of Composites Testing for mechanical, electrical, thermal, optical and chemical properties, Determination of shelf life and gel time – Non-destructive testing methods.
• Application of composite Marine, chemical, railways, electrical and electronic industry, space structures, Robotics.