POLYMER MATRIX COMPOSITE IN HIGH TEMPERATURE

APPLICATIONS
1. LITERATURE WORKS
An important technological development that has contributed
significantly to this growth of composites is the development of strong and stiff
fibers such as glass, carbon, and aramid along with concurrent developments in
the polymer chemistry, resulting in various polymeric materials to serve as
matrix materials. In particular, the versatility of the technology of the carbon
fibers having various properties has played a key role in this growth. With
complementary developments in computer hardware and software technology,
and in computational methods of analysis rendering help to analyses and
understand the material behavior and to provide predictive as well as design
tools, the complexity of the polymer-matrix composites has been overcome to
facilitate the extensive applications.
1.1 COMPOSITE MATERIAL TYPES

To access the description of the composite material, it will be necessary

to specify three natures such as the nature of the constituents and their
properties, the geometry of the reinforcement and its distribution and the nature
of the matrix‐reinforcement interface. The composite material is therefore a
system formed of a relatively large number of constituents [1]. The number of
possible realizations from this range of fundamental elements is therefore
practically infinite. The nature of the matrix, the types of reinforcements [2,3],
the additives and the relative quantities of these elements entering into the
formulation, as well as the process of implementation, have a decisive impact
on the characteristics of the finished product. Based on the matrices that used
for the composite preparation, the composites are varied.
The matrix can be of the thermoplastic, thermosetting and/or elastomer
type. The role of the matrix is to linked the reinforcing fibers, distribute the
constraints, provide the chemical resistance of the structure and give the desired
shape to the final product [4,5]. The choice of matrix depends on the use for
which the composite material is intended. Composite materials, as defined in
the context of this study, have been deliberately limited to those formed by
organic matrices.
Current economic and environmental concerns make the creation of more
fuel-efficient Vehicle a top priority in the automotive industry. Although the
minimization of the mass of parts is the main reason of choosing high
performance plastic materials, the future rise of their usage will result in new
applications in automobiles related to comfort, safety and possibility of parts
integration. The application of high-performance plastic materials allows more
freedom in design, and in many cases only these materials can allow safe
geometrical or economic solution for the construction of parts. Some other
advantages of increased applications of plastic materials in transport vehicles
include:
 Minimal corrosion, allowing for longer vehicle life
 Substantial design freedom, allowing advanced creativity and
innovation
 Flexibility in integrating components
 Safety, comfort and economy
 Recyclability
 Polymer materials

Thermosetting Thermoplastic

Polyamides Polpropylene (PP)

Polyoxymethylene
Polycarbonates
(POM)

Polyester Polyester (TP)

Polyether sulfone
Phenolic
(PES)

Polyether ether
Polyimides
(PEE)

Polyether ketone
Silicones
(PEK)

Polyether ether
Polyurethanes
ketone (PEEK)

Polyether imide
Polyepoxides
(PIE)

Figure 1.1 Polymer Composite Material Types

The plastic materials have become reliable and are in demand in the
automotive industries. As in future our necessity will be high performance cars
with greater comfort, safety, fuel efficiency, style, lower prices, lower pollution
levels and increased recovery at the end of life, but it requires never-ending
research and improvement. Continuous research and development in the plastics
is key feature of the increased application of plastics in cars.
1.2 AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS
 Akshat Patil et al. (2017) [6] has investigated the polymeric materials for
automotive applications and the plastic materials have become reliable and are
in demand in the automotive industries. As in future our necessity will be high
performance cars with greater comfort, safety, fuel efficiency, style, lower
prices, lower pollution levels and increased recovery at the end of life, but it
requires never-ending research and improvement. Continuous research and
development in the plastics is key feature of the increased application of plastics
in cars.
Table 1 plastics used in a typical car [6]
Components Main types of plastic Average weight in
car (kg)
Bumpers PS,ABS,PC/PBT 10
Seating PUR,PP,PVC,ABS,PA 13
Dashboard PP,ABS,SMA,PPE,PC 7
Fuel systems HDPE,POM,PA,PP,PBT 6
Body (panels) PP,PPE,UP 6
Under-bonnet PA,PP,PBT 9
components
Interior trim PP,ABS,PET,POM,PVC 20
Electrical PA,PP,PBT 7
components
Exterior trim ABS,PA,PBT,POM,ASA,PP 4
Lighting PC,PBT,ABS,PMMA,UP 5
Upholstery PVC,PUR,PP,PE 8
Liquid reservoirs PP,PE,PA 1

V. L. Kadlag et al (2017) [7] have considered the application of fibre

reinforced polymer composite in an automotive. attempt has been made to
present a literature review on Application of Fibre reinforced polymer
composite in various field of automotive sector. Automobile parts requires light
weight component to improve the efficiency of the vehicle at this point of view
Fibre reinforced polymer composite is the best alternative to the existing
materials like steel or aluminium. The production cost of Fibre reinforced
polymer composite is lower than other metal material this leads the better
advantage of Fibre reinforced polymer composite over steel or aluminium.
Yicheng Du (2014) [8] studied about the biofiber reinforcement polymer
composites for automotives applications. At the targeted density of 0.8 g/cm3,
biofiber/PP composite had properties comparable to those of commercially
available counterparts. The addition of PE in the polymer improved impact
properties, but stiffness, strength, and HDT decreased. The incorporation of
MAPP in the polyolefin polymer improved the composite strength but caused a
reduction in impact properties.
Polymers and polymer blends are used in various parts of automobiles
including the interior, exterior, and under- hood parts. The main goal of
automotive manufacturers should be to develop advanced materials using
developing technologies to meet consumer demand. Çidem Gül et al. (2023) [9]
detailed about different polymers and polymer mixtures used in automobiles. In
addition, it is emphasized that the use of polymers in various components such
as the interior, exterior, under the hood, and chassis of the car will reduce
vehicle weight and provide fuel efficiency. In the automobile industry of the
future, lightweight materials produced from polymer blends will be of greater
importance.
Table 1 Polymers used in an Automobile Industry [9]
Materials Applications
Polypropylene (PP) Bumpers, air ducts,
battery boxes, all fender
linings, interior trim,
dashboard, and door
trims.
Polyurethane (PUR) Seats, armrests, and head
rests.
Polycarbonate (PC) Windows, panels
Polyamide (PA) Engine and cylinder head
cover, door and tailgate
handles, rearview mirror,
and hubcaps, power
trims, and headlight
bezels.
Polyvinyl Chloride Instrument panels,
(PVC) electrical cables, pipes,
door panels, etc..
Polystyrene (PS) Car fixing equipment’s,
equipment housing,
buttons, and the
automobile display base.
Polyethylene (PE) Fuel system, dashboard,
upholstery, and other
reservoirs.
Acrylonitrile Automotive body parts,
Butadiene Styrene helmets, dashboards,
(ABS) wheel covers, exterior
 components, interior
parts, door trim, door
handles, loudspeaker
grilles, consoles, and
navigation system
housings.
Polyoxymethylene Seatings systems, gears,
(POM) fuel tanks, sun roof
systems, window guides,
lighters, door lock
systems, speaker grilles,
electrical systems,
automotive interior and
exterior trims, mirrors,
and wiper system.
Polymethyl Exterior parts, rear, and
Methacrylate (PMMA) indicator light covers,
interior light covers,
exterior panels, trim,
bumpers, fenders and
other molded parts, light
guides, and fascia.
Polybutylene exterior automobile
Terephthalate (PBT) components, fog lamp
reflectors and housings,
sun-roof front parts,
central locking system
housings, door handles,
bumpers, mudguards
(rear and front), radiator
grilles, mirror housings,
and carburetor
components.
Polyethylene engine cover, wiper arm
Terephthalate (PET) and housings, headlight,
headliners, boot liners,
door panels, parcel
shelves, and connector
housings.

Md. Nazmus Sakib et al. (2021) [10] investigated that the polymer and
plastic composite draw attention in the automotive industry due to their
lightweight, corrosion resistance, high strength, thermal stability, and electrical
insulation properties. Monolithic epoxy could not fulfil the automotive
industry’s required properties due to its crack propagation, brittle nature. The
incorporation of suitable filler in the epoxy matrix produces excellent
nanocomposite material in automobile parts, aeronautics, boats, bicycles,
mirror, electronics, sensors, packaging, and biomedical. Introducing lightweight
composite material in the automotive industry replaces heavy material and
increases fuel efficiency, speed, and corrosion resistance. The use of polymer-
based lightweight materials in the automotive industry reduces vehicle weight
along with increasing fuel efficiency and reduction of CO2 emission. (CAFE)
claimed, within 2025, automobile fuel effectiveness will be improved 6-8% by
10% of weight reduction.
Due to increasing fuel cost for flying commercial aircrafts, there is the
need to increase research that will provide environmental sustainability of the
aeronautic industry. This industry is under due pressure to improve its
performance, especially in the area of weight reduction. According to research
by Adamu Muhammad et al. [11], it is entirely possible that in the near future,
the aircraft design and construction industry will be able to lower operating
costs in any way possible by carefully choosing polymer composite materials
with commendable mechanical and physical properties. Presently, there is
competition not only on airplanes but of missiles, too. Composite technology
has continued to advance, and the introduction of new types such as basalt and
carbon nanotube forms is aimed to accelerate and extend composite usage.
Swapnil Chandgude et al. (2021) [12] presents a detailed study on the use
of natural fibre-based composites in the automotive domain. From the studies, it
is evident that the incorporation of artificial fibres not only enhances the
immense potential of natural fibres but also explores new areas of application
that involve the replacement of expensive and traditional materials. Certain
drawbacks of natural fibre composites have not hindered their growth but,
conversely, generated renewed interest among automotive manufacturers.
Among the various classes of natural fibres, a substantial amount of work has
been undertaken on plant and mineral fibres. Utilisation of animal fibres is,
however, a work in progress, and that makes it an emerging area for future
research. It is therefore advised that the use of recyclable and biodegradable
“green composites” be considered for the benefit of mankind. Strict adherence
to environmental laws and regulations, a rise in the prices of petroleum-based
products, research on unexplored areas, acceptance, and positive growth by
multisector industries will drive hybrid composites to new heights in the future.
Figure 1.1 Global automotive polymer composite market revenue by application
forecasted up to 2025 [12].
Valentina Volpe et al. (2019) [13] investigated the impact of processing
parameters on the morphology of PA66 + 30% glass fiber foamed parts,
focusing on density, thermal, and mechanical performances. Results showed
that injection temperature, gas injection pressure, and part thickness
significantly influenced the core morphology, with higher gas injection pressure
resulting in better foamed core layers and higher mechanical properties.
O. T. Adesina [14] studied the mechanical strength of polymer-based
bumper beams with natural fibre reinforcement. The study found that natural
fibre alone cannot provide the expected mechanical properties needed in the
automotive industry. Hybridization of natural fibre with synthetic fiber
improves mechanical properties, but inadequate impact properties remain
unresolved. Future research should focus on optimizing parameters and
exploring natural fibre-reinforced hybrid nanocomposite for improved
interfacial adhesion.
Oladele et al.'s (2020) [15] research suggests using recycled waste
plastics for interior automobile applications by reinforcing with a biofiller. The
addition of CaCO3 to recycled polypropylene waste plastics improved
mechanical, wear, and moisture-repellant properties. Different volumes of SSP
affected the properties differently, with mechanical properties improving within
3-9 wt% and wear and water-repellant potentials being highly enhanced with 15
wt% SSP. The potential of bio-filler-recycled waste plastic composites for
automobile interiors is promising.
Alireza Ashori's (2007) [16] studies show that Wood-plastic composite
(WPC) is a very promising and sustainable green material that achieves
durability without using toxic chemicals. The term WPCs refers to any
composites that contain plant fibre and thermosets or thermoplastics. In
comparison to other fibrous materials, plant fibres are in general suitable to
reinforce plastics due to their relative high strength and stiffness, low cost, low
density, low CO2 emissions, biodegradability, and being annually renewable.
Plant fibres as fillers and reinforcements for polymers are currently the fastest-
growing type of polymer additive. Since automakers are aiming to make every
part either recyclable or biodegradable, there still seems to be some scope for
green composites based on biodegradable polymers and plant fibres. From a
technical point of view, these bio-based costs Composites will enhance
mechanical strength and acoustic performance, reduce material weight and fuel
consumption, lower production costs, improve passenger safety and shatterproof
performance under extreme temperature changes, and improve biodegradability
for auto interior parts.

Figure 1.2 Wood Plastic Composites Applications [16].

According to A.M. Cunha et al. (2006) [17], Biodegradable composites
are being used in the automotive industry for interior parts and high-
consumption parts. Polylactic acid is the most promising material for
mechanical performance. A wide range of applications can be achieved through
property improvement, primarily through the matrix/reinforcement interface
engineering. Shorter, integrated thermomechanical cycles can help reduce
degradation of reinforcements and matrices. Natural reinforcements must be
analysed based on their regional specificities and treated chemically or
physically to increase surface activity and adherence to the polymer matrix.
However, embrittlement and aggregation can negatively impact this, leading to
less complex therapies like washing and extractive removal. And author stated
that further research is needed to characterize these composites' behavior,
particularly in terms of heat stability and odour release. Economic factors,
environmental laws, and costs associated with recycling or dismantling
synthetic polymers must also be considered.
Pedram et al. (2017) [18] reviewed about the Recent developments in 3D
printing methods of fiber reinforced polymers, namely, fused deposition
modelling (FDM), laminated object manufacturing (LOM), stereo lithography
(SL), extrusion, and selective laser sintering (SLS). And they understood the
trends and future directions in the respective areas.
Shubham Sharma et al. (2020) [19] reviewed several articles to determine
the physico-mechanical, thermal, morphological, and electrical effects of fiber
loading and chemical treatment on the NFPCs. Various studies have been
carried out on natural fibers, which shows their importance compared with the
other synthetic fibers. The author states the potential of natural fiber, which can
be used to reinforce the polymer matrix for several applications such as sports
goods, electrical and electronics, automotive, the construction industry, etc.
S. Sajan et al. (2021) [21] carried out a detailed study on different types
of reinforcement fibers in polymer matrix for automotive applications. To focus
more on application, the paper highlights the benefits of Polymer metal
composites in the automotive industry. Researchers can use new and better
material compositions to improve efficiency and reduce costs. The major fields
of application of composite materials are the automotive sector, aerospace,
sports equipment, manufacturing industries, etc.
According to Juan M. Garces (2000), Nanocomposites are a new class of
polymeric filled composites with unique mechanical, physical, and processing
properties. They may potentially be manufactured at low cost and may offer
other advantages in density and processing with respect to metals and polymeric
composites currently used in the fabrication of parts for automotive
applications. Recent results on the production of polyolefin nanocomposites by
melt processing of organo-clays with modified polymers or by various in-situ
polymerization methods suggest that these materials can be produced with
current technologies. The current challenge is to develop nanocomposites at a
competitive cost and with superior performance to replace metals and/or
existing polymeric filled composites.
Helena Simmonds et al. (2015) [23] demonstrated the ability of selected
intumescent coatings to protect composite components exposed to elevated
temperatures. A suitable base composite would need to be selected to ensure
degradation of mechanical properties was not encountered. And suggested that
their results highlight the potential for the use of intumescent technologies in
achieving light-weighting targets while meeting thermal requirements.
Georgios Koronis et al. (2013) [24] provides a bibliographic review in the
broad field of green composites seeking-out for materials with a potential to be
applied in the near future on automotive body panels. Unfortunately, to the
present the bio-thermoplastics cost is a major barrier for their generalized use in
the automotive industry but it is expected that soon manufacturers of these
materials will turn up affordable solutions as their demand in industrial scale
applications will no doubt tend to decrease their prices to more affordable
levels. The trend can also be reversed in the sense that the necessity for
environmentally conscious solutions can overturn the value chain and put a
premium price on environmental impact of current solutions.
1.2.1 Summary
From the above literature, it is identified that polymer composite
materials have a vital role in the field of automobile industries. The main
advantages of polymer materials over the conventional metallic materials are
their lower thermal expansion properties, specific strength properties with
weight saving of 20–40%, ability to meet stringent dimensional stability,
potential for rapid process cycles as well as excellent fracture and fatigue
resistance. Around the globe in automobile field 24% of thermoset and 50% of
thermoplastic are used. Because of the ability to facilitate parts integration, fast
cycling time and low cost, the glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymer is a
promising one in automobile sector for weight reduction. However, carbon fiber
reinforced polymer requires breakthroughs in manufacturing techniques to be
cost-effective for mass production. Hence in automotive sector, industry
demands a better option in advanced composites with reductions in energy uses
and lower emissions levels.
1.3 HIGH TEMPERATURE APPLICATIONS
Applications of fiber-reinforced composites with polymer matrices have
grown significantly over the past few decades. The majority of this usage was
for structural purposes, where service temperatures were not anticipated to rise
above 120°C. The use of polymer composites in additional applications where
temperatures in the range of 200–400 °C may be present is currently the focus
of attention. Such applications are now feasible thanks to the development of
polymer composites like bismaleimides, cyanates, liquid crystalline polymers,
and others [19]. The associated issues have involved selecting processing
technologies that are appropriate and balancing performance requirements with
processing requirements.
 Approximately one-third of the airframe structure of modern military
fighters, such as the European Fighter Aircraft (EFA), French Rafale, Swedish
JAS-39, or Indian Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), is made of carbon fiber
polymer composites. Service temperatures for these composite systems range
from 100 to 120 °C continuously and 135 °C briefly.
Polymer fuel cells operating above 100 °C (High Temperature Polymer
Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells, HT-PEMFCs) have gained large interest for
their application to automobiles. The most important developments in the field
of membranes for high temperature polymer fuel cells were covered by Eliana
Quartarone et al. (2017). The best option for creating effective and long-lasting
membranes is still polybenzimidazole-based moieties and their blends and
composites, despite recent suggestions of other polymer matrices. The proton
conductivity of PBI is excellent, and this is probably due to the special
physicochemical characteristics of the H3PO4 doping agent, which have been
carefully studied in recent years.
A few classes of high temperature polymer dielectric films have been
investigated with regard to their potential utilization in wide-temperature
aerospace power conditioning applications. Preliminary studies have
demonstrated their dielectric stability for operation at high temperatures in the
250–350 °C range. Variable temperature dielectric studies have shown that their
temperature coefficient of capacitance over a wide-temperature range has been
relatively small (1–3%). A relatively low dissipation factor (<0.003 (0.3%)) at
10 kHz has also been measured for the fluorenyl polyester (FDAPE) film after
two complete thermal cycles conducted in the RT–350 °C range. The dielectric
constants of the various polymer dielectrics in this study were in the range of
2.9–3.5.
A few classes of high temperature polymer dielectric films have been
investigated with regard to their potential utilisation in wide-temperature
aerospace power conditioning applications. Preliminary Narayanan Venkat et al.
(2010) have demonstrated their dielectric stability for operation at high
temperatures in the 250–350 °C range. Variable temperature dielectric studies
have shown that their temperature coefficient of capacitance over a wide
temperature range has been relatively small (1–3%).
According to Wenhan Xu et al. (2019), a novel bioinspired
nanocomposite approach mimics spider silk-like nanocomposite. The
discharged energy density of the bioinspired nanocomposites is 200% higher
than that of the pure polymer matrix, placing the composite dielectric among the
top-rated dielectrics previously reported at 150 °C. Future high-temperature
dielectrics may be created using the suggested silk-inspired strategy via the
nanoconfinement effect, which may be applied to a variety of dielectric systems.
 Polybenzimidazole's (PBI) thermal properties have been studied by
Baoshu Chen et al. (2009). The molecular structure and thermal stability of the
resulting polymers were characterized by means of FTIR, TGA, and DSC. The
results indicate that the melting temperature of the PBI is higher than 400°C and
that the polymer possesses excellent thermal stability. The onset decomposition
temperature was determined to be 516°C, and the highest decomposition
temperature reached 536°C.
Der-Jang Liaw et al. (2012) have combined the creation and use of
numerous functional polyimides. Numerous beneficial and distinctive physico-
mechanical, electrical, and chemical properties are present in polyimides.
Polyimides can be used for extended periods of time at temperatures up to
200°C, while they can also be used for brief periods of time at temperatures up
to 480°C. In fact, polyimides have exceptional radiation resistance, superior
semiconductor properties, and excellent physico-mechanical properties over a
wide temperature range. Due to these qualities, polyimides are widely used in
many different industries. Polyimides will continue to be used in new industrial
applications because of their distinctive properties.
Qi Li et al. (2015) have demonstrated that c-BCB/BNNS can be readily
prepared by photo-polymerization of solution-cast films, which, upon further
curing, are found to possess essentially the same dielectric properties as the
thermally crosslinked films. Furthermore, no degradation in dielectric stability,
Ue and η of c-BCB/BNNS measured at room temperature and 250 °C was
observed after rigorous winding and bending tests. This suggests that this
nanocomposite may be used in practical flexible electronics and high-
throughput roll-to-roll processing into wound cells. Also, it is noteworthy that c-
BCB/BNNS has the lowest mass density (~1.10 g cm -3) of the polymer
dielectrics studied. This desirable combination of processibility, flexibility, light
weight, and dielectric and capacitive performance in such nanocomposites may
transform the way compact power modules and power circuits targeted for harsh
environmental applications are built.
Ilona Plesa et al. (2016) claim that research and development on
composites and nanocomposites used in high-voltage applications is
challenging. There is a trend in this evolution toward multidisciplinary
collaboration in electrical, mechanical, thermal engineering, chemistry, material
science, and other sciences in order to clarify the fundamental relationship
between structure and properties and to significantly increase the benefits that
these materials can offer to society. With such close collaboration, it is hoped
that researchers will gain a deeper understanding of polymer micro- and
nanocomposites as well as the interface region, which is the most important part
of each material. Once all mechanisms have been found and understood, the
desired materials with tailored properties suitable for high-voltage applications
will be attained.
Imidization, solvent evaporation, and crystallization are all carried out
simultaneously when processing polyimide (PI) from the precursor polyamic
acid, according to M. Kotera et al (PAA). These overlapped processes were
analyzed by temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry (T-
MDSC). The glass transition temperature (Tg) of precursor PAA was manifested
by T-MDSC, and it was 107°C for pyromellitic dianhydride-oxidianiline
(PMDA-ODA) PAA cast from N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) solution. The T-
MDSC method is a useful technique to analyze imidization processes, including
the various overlapping thermal phenomena.
Sugeet Kharbanda et al. (2021) Polymer composites are commonly used
in industry and are used in various fields such as the aircraft industry,
automobile industry, electronic industry and packaging industry, etc. due to their
diverse versatility, low cost, light weight, and outstanding chemical consistency.
For new technologies, especially in aerospace and aeronautics, thermal
properties have become a significant parameter. A reference to a number of
research studies is made in this paper and the role of fillers in polymers is
studied. The main purpose of this analysis is to identify any possible patterns
that control and dictate the thermal properties in polymeric composites.
1.3.1 Summary
Many researchers have provided a brief summary of the developments in
polymer matrices for fiber-reinforced composites for high-temperature
applications. Whereas BMI, CE, and TPI composites dominate the lower
temperature range, polyimides of the PMR type dominate the higher
temperature range. Apart from the performance requirements, an important
issue in the development process is the ease of processing. Most of the
processes used currently remain proprietary or confidential, and little
comparative information is available in the open literature. The research efforts
for better performance are directed toward achieving higher service
temperatures and improved fracture toughness without making the processing
too complicated for realistic composite components. The polyimides appear to
be the most promising routes in this direction.
1.4 GENERAL APPLICATIONS
Dipen Kumar Rajak et al. (2019) provide an overview of a wide variety
of fibers, their properties, functionality, classification, and various fiber
composite manufacturing techniques in order to determine the most efficient
fiber-reinforced composite material for significant applications. Fiber-reinforced
composite materials are a promising alternative to single metals or alloys due to
their exceptional performance in many fields of application.
Table 1.3 properties and applications of various polymers [3.1]
Materials Properties Applications
Polyethersulfone Flame resistant Automotive
Polyphenylene sulfide Resistance to chemicals Electrical
and high temperature
Polysulfone Low moisture absorption, Marine, food
high strength, low creep packaging
Polyethylene (PE) Resistance to corrosion Piping
Polypropylene (PP) Resistance to chemicals Packaging,
automotive,
construction
Polylactic acid (PLA) Biodegradable, non-toxic Food handling, bio-
medical
Polyurethane (PU) Wear resistance, low Structural, acoustic
cost, sound and water-
proof
Poly(butylene adipate- Biodegradable, high Coating, packaging
co-terephthalate)- stiffness
PBAT
Cement Durable Structural
Poly(vinyl alcohol) High tensile strength Bio-medical
Natural rubber Low density, low cost, Structural, automobile
biodegradable
Epoxy resin High strength Automotive,
aerospace, marine
Polyester Durable, resistance to Structural
water, chemicals

D. Pathania et al. (2009) surveys the research work published in fiber

reinforced polymer composite materials with reference to electrical properties
such as volume resistivity, dielectric constant, dielectric dissipation factor and
dielectric loss factor. And showed that dielectric constant and dielectric
dissipation decreased with frequency and increased with temperature, whereas
the dielectric loss factor decreased with the increase of frequency at fixed
temperature and increased with temperature at lower frequencies. It is also
observed that the dielectric loss factor decreases with chemical treatment.
According to D. A. van den Ende et al. (2011), The composites were used
to build energy harvesting patches that were attached to a tire and tested under
simulated rolling conditions. The energy density of the piezoelectric ceramic-
polymer composite materials is initially not as high as that of the reference
materials (a macro-fiber composite and a polyvinylidene fluoride polymer).
However, the area normalized power output of the composites after temperature
and strain cycling is comparable to that of the reference devices because the
piezoelectric ceramic-polymer composites did not degrade during operation.
Safarova M. (2021) shows various groups of modern polymer composite
materials, their composition and applications. polymer composite materials are
the most widespread composite materials in terms of composition and
properties, which are effectively used in many fields. The use of these materials
is limited by their low thermal stability due to compositions based on ceramic
and metal matrices, as well as flammability, toxicity of combustion products
and the aging phenomenon of polymer binders.
K. Friedrich (2018) discusses some challenges related to the use
and testing of bulk and thin film polymer based tribo-components such as
sliders, bushings, ball bearing cages, electrically conductive bearings, gears, and
coatings. Attention is not only given to basic influencing parameters such as
contact pressure, sliding velocity, environmental conditions (including high and
very low temperatures), and counterpart material. Also, new manufacturing
aspects, e.g., 3D printing, and advanced techniques for better self-lubrication
and self-healing of tribo-materials by incorporation of microcapsules are
considered. The author has traced the progress of achievements in academic
understanding and industrial use of polymer composites for numerous
tribological applications over the past three decades. However, further efforts
are needed to utilize in the future the full potential of reinforced polymeric
materials in the wide field of tribology.
Hemalata Jena et al. (2019) stated that a very few studies have been
conducted on the tribological performance of composite material in an
automotive application. Here attempts have been to provide a review on
tribological performance of polymer and its composites which deals with the
application of polymer composite in automotive application and recent
developments of polymer composite in tribo-performance. It also deals with the
effects of different process and material parameters on tribological properties of
the polymer composite.
Various mechanical and dielectric properties of polymer matrix
composites have been presented by Satish Bhalerao et al. (2022). Mechanical
properties like tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus, and impact strength
are improved by varying reinforcement percentages. Some of the findings
reveal that moisture and temperature influence mechanical strength, and
properties such as stiffness and flexural strength decrease with an increase in
temperature. Electrical devices require materials with better mechanical and
dielectric properties, a high dielectric constant, low dielectric loss, and
increased dielectric strength. The dielectric property is very important in
designing an insulating system for an electric system. The required dielectric
properties of the composite can be obtained with proper combinations of matrix
and reinforcement phases. A polymer matrix made of CaCu 3Ti4O12 (CCTO)
particles improves dielectric strength. The polymer composites are preferred
due to their high strength-to-weight ratio and high dielectric properties. It is
found that polymer composites show excellent mechanical and dielectric
properties and are best suited for high voltage applications.
In W. Hufenbach et al.’s (2011) study, results are presented concerning
selected relevant load cases for industrial applications. For the new group of
multi-layered flatbed weft-knitted glass fibre/polypropylene composites (MKF-
GF/PP), tensile tests under different temperatures and test velocities have been
carried out as well as Charpy impact tests, open hole tension tests and dynamic-
mechanical analysis. The mechanical properties of MKF-GF/PP and
unidirectional GF/PP composites with tailored fibre surface and interphase,
respectively, have been compared to those of woven GF/PP composites and
GF/PP composites made of non-crimp fabrics (NCF) as a benchmark.
1.5 OVERALL SUMMARY
The research efforts for better performance are directed toward achieving
higher service temperatures and improved fracture toughness without making
the processing too complicated for realistic composite components. After
studying a large number of papers on thermoplastic polymers, elastomer
polymers, and thermosetting polymers reinforced by fibers and formulated with
fillers, we have recommended that the polyimides have huge applications in
high temperature applications and decided to develop them for further
enhancements. The polyimides appear to be the most promising routes in the
future.