Polymer Matrix Composites - Matrix Resins - Thermosetting Resins, Thermoplastic Resins
Polymer Matrix Composites - Matrix Resins - Thermosetting Resins, Thermoplastic Resins
Polymer Matrix Composites - Matrix Resins - Thermosetting Resins, Thermoplastic Resins
TECHNOLOGY
Matrices
Examples of polymers:
repeat repeat repeat
unit unit unit
H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H
C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C C
H H H H H H H Cl H Cl H Cl H CH3 H CH3 H CH3
Polyethylene (PE) Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Polypropylene (PP)
Polymer Matrix Composite
(PMC)
Polymer Matrix Composite (PMC) is the material consisting of a
polymer (resin) matrix combined with a fibrous reinforcing dispersed
phase.
Polymer Matrix Composites are very popular due to their low cost and
simple fabrication methods.
Polymer(Matrix) Composite (Matrix + Reinforcement)
Discontinuous phase Reinforcement
Continuous phase - Matrix
Reinforcement
Principle Load bearing member
Matrix
provides a medium for binding and holding the reinforcements
together into a solid.
protects the reinforcement from environmental degradation.
serves to transfer load from one insert (fibre, flake or particles)
to the other.
Provides finish, colour, texture, durability and other functional
properties.
Classification of
Polymers
Linear polymer - Any polymer in which molecules are in the form of
chains.
2)Addition polymerization:
monomers join to form a polymer Without producing any
byproduct, generally carried out in presence of catalysts.
Ex: polyethylene
linear addition of ethylene molecules(CH2) results in polyethylene( a
chain of ethylene molecules).
Characteristics:
Good surface appearance and good lubricity.
They absorb moisture, which affects the properties and dimensional
stability of the part.
Polypropylene (PP):
An addition polymer made from the monomer propylene.
Polypropylene (PP) is a low-cost, low-density, versatile plastic and is
available in many grades and as a co-polymer (ethylene/propylene).
Characteristics:
It has the lowest density (0.9 g/cm3) of all thermoplastics and
offers good strength, stiffness, chemical resistance, and fatigue
resistance.
polypropylene has a very high resistance to electricity and is very
useful for electronic components
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK):
PEEK polymers are obtained by step growth polymerization
PEEK offers the possibility of use at high service temperatures.
They can be used continuously at 250C.
The glass transition temperature (Tg) of PEEK is 143C and
crystalline melting temperature is 336C.
Characteristics:
Good radiation resistance
Outstanding wear and abrasion resistance
Low coefficient of friction
Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS)
Linear polymer of modest molecular weight and low mold shrinkage
It has a maximum crystallinity of 65%.
High operating temperatures and can be used continuously at 225C. The
Tg of PPS is 85C and crystalline melt temperature is 285C.
Characteristics:
Heat resistance that makes continuous usage possible at 200C or
higher
PPS polymer is inherently UL V-0 (self-extinguishing)
Chemical resistance second only to fluorinated polymers (PTFE)
Very complex, high precision molding is achievable
Very low moisture absorption
Thermosets
Why Crosslinks?
Thermosets = resin + hardener = crosslinks
Hardener ?
The cross-links form during the polymerization of the liquid resin and
hardener, so the structure is almost always amorphous
Polyster resins
Phenolic
Vinylesters
Cyanate Esters
Characteristics:
Reasonably stable to chemical attacks
Serve up to temperature of 140C
Slow shrinkage during curing
Polyesters:
A condensation reaction between a glycol and an unsaturated dibasic
acid results in polyester. This contains a double bond C=C between its
carbon atoms.
Example: poly ethylene terephthalate (PET).
Characteristics:
Cheap
Offer excellent corrosion resistance
Resistance to variety of chemicals
Adequate moisture resistance
Used up to 75C
Phenolic:
Phenolic are formed by the reaction of phenol (carbolic acid) and
formaldehyde, and catalyzed by an acid or base.
Phenolic are generally dark in color.
Characteristics:
Offer High temperature resistance.
Good Electrical properties
Good Wear resistance
chemical resistance and dimensional stability.
Some of the basic properties of selected thermoset resins
Role of matrix
In a composite material, the matrix material serves the following
functions:
Reference:
Composite materials science and engineering by Krishna K.Chawla
Composites manufacturing by Sanjay K Mazumdar
www.Epotek.com
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