Chemistry International
Vol. 24, No. 5
September 2002
Highlights
from Pure and Applied Chemistry
Future
Requirements In the Characterization of Continuous Fiber Reinforced
Polymeric Composites (IUPAC Technical Report)
by D.
R. Moore and A. Cervenka
Pure and Applied
Chemistry, Vol. 74, No. 4, pp. 601-628 (2002)
There
has been enormous activity in the field of continuous fiber reinforced
polymeric composites research, particularly in the period between 1980
and the present. Although there has also been a decline in this activity
in the last few years, nevertheless, there is likely to be future expansion
for these materials in a range of areas, most of which will be motivated
by a specific property per unit weight. Consequently, characterization
of composites is likely to remain a key issue.
Much of
the historic activity on characterization has been associated with processing,
properties, and structure. In addition, there remains plenty yet to
explore. A number of the scientists associated with the historic activities
are active on the IUPAC Working Party on Structure and Properties of
Commercial Polymers, under the chairmanship of Martin Laun. Therefore,
this group has considered what activities might be required in the future
in order to better characterize continuous fiber reinforced composites
and in addition to contemplate some current and future issues.
This report
examines the characterization of continuous fiber reinforced composites
in terms of processing, properties, and structure. The historic background
of five processing and five property topics are then reviewed with the
aim of identifying current issues and requirements for the future. The
topics covered in the processing section are polymeric matrix, impregnation,
interfacial effects, residual stresses, and pre-preg tack. In the mechanical
properties section the topics include choice of standard, recycling
and re-usability, durability, environmental strength, and toughness.
The paper provides a 10-point plan for future requirements.
In common
with this IUPAC Working Partys activities, the contributions for
this work come from a wide international group of scientists from both
industry and academia and include C. B. Bucknall (UK), R. S. Bailey
(UK), B. Pukansky (Hungary), A. Galeski (Poland), D. R. Moore (UK),
L. Glas (Belgium), W. Alstadt (Germany), B. Gunesin (Turkey), A. Cervenka
(Holland), and J. G. Williams (UK).
www.iupac.org/publications/pac/2002/7404/7404x0601.html