UNIT-II

POLYMER SCIENCE

Definition – Classification of polymers with examples, Types of polymerizations, addition, and

condensation polymerization with examples. Properties of polymers-crystallinity & glass
transition temperature.
Plastics: Definition and characteristics-thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics, Preparation,
Properties, and applications of Teflon, PMMA, PC, PET, Bakelite. Moulding of Plastics
(Compression, Extrusion, Blow moulding and Thermoforming). Fiber reinforced plastics
(FRP)-features & applications. Conducting polymers: Classification and applications of
conducting polymers.
Shape memory Polymers: Definition, types (thermo-responsive, light-responsive, electrically
& magnetic induced, and Water induced) and their applications in various fields.

Polymer:

The word “Polymer” is derived from two Greek words, ‘Poly’ that means many , meroes means
units. In basic terms, a polymer is a long-chain molecule that is composed of a large number
of repeating units of identical structure. These identical structures, we understand as a unit made
up of two or more molecules, join together to form a long chain.

Classification of Polymers

Since Polymers are numerous in number with different behaviors and can be naturally found or
synthetically created, they can be classified in various ways. The following below are some basic
ways in which we classify polymers:
1] Classification Based on Source

The first classification of polymers is based on their source of origin, Let’s take a look.

(i) Natural polymers

The easiest way to classify polymers is their source of origin. Natural polymers are polymers
which occur in nature and are existing in natural sources like plants and animals. Some common
examples are Proteins (which are found in humans and animals alike), Cellulose and Starch
(which are found in plants) or Rubber (which we harvest from the latex of a tropical plant).

(ii) Synthetic polymers

Synthetic polymers are polymers which humans can artificially create/synthesize in a lab. These
are commercially produced by industries for human necessities. Some commonly produced
polymers which we use day to day are Polyethylene (a mass-produced plastic which we use in
packaging) or Nylon Fibers (commonly used in our clothes, fishing nets etc.)

(iii) Semi-Synthetic polymers

Semi-Synthetic polymers are polymers obtained by making modification in natural polymers

artificially in a lab. These polymers formed by chemical reaction (in a controlled environment)
and are of commercial importance. Example: Vulcanized Rubber ( Sulphur is used in cross
bonding the polymer chains found in natural rubber) Cellulose acetate (rayon) etc.

Classification based on structure

 Linear polymers:- consist of long and straight chains. Example:- pvc

 Branched chain polymers:- contain linear chains having some branches, e.g., Low density
polymer.
 Cross linked chain polymers:- formed from bi-functional and tri- functional monomers
and contain strong covalent bonds e.g. Bakelite, melamine.

Classification based on tacticity

Tacticity: Based on the arrangement of functional groups on the backbone of the carbon chain,
the polymers are classified into three types

➢ Isotactic polymers: The functional groups of the polymers are arranged on the same side
of the carbon backbone are called isotactic polymers.
➢ Syndiotactic polymers: If the functional groups of the polymers are arranged irregularly
on the carbon backbone are called syndiotactic polymers
➢ Atactic polymers: If the functional groups of the polymers are arranged on the opposite
side of the carbon backbone are called syndiotactic polymers.

Oligo Polymers: If the degree of polymerization is less than 600, we call oligo polymers, which
can’t be used in engineering applications

High Polymers: Degree of polymerization is more than 600, and then they are called high
polymers, mostly used in engineering applications.

Classification based on polymerization

Addition polymerization:- monomers bond together via rearrangement of bonds without

the loss of any atom or molecule under specific conditions of heat, pressure, and/or the
presence of a catalyst.
 1. A chain polymerization is a reaction that yields a polymer product which is the exact
multiple of monomers.
2. The functionality of monomer is a double bond and it is bifunctional
3. The polymerization takes place by self addition of the monomer molecules to each other.
4. No byproducts like H2O, CH3OH etc are produced.
5. The molecular weight of the polymer is the exact multiple of monomers.
6. The mechanism is carried out in three steps, i.e. initiation, propagation and termination.
7. The mechanism is rapid.
8. The conversion of a pi-bond to sigma bond takes place during the polymerization,
liberating [Link]/mole of energy. Hence exothermic reaction.
9. An initiator is required to start the polymerization reaction. Ex: PE, PVC

Condensation Polymerization:- monomers join together—losing small molecules as

byproducts such as water or methanol.

1. Step growth polymerization takes place by condensation reactions of the functional

groups of the monomers.
2. Monomers contain the functional groups like –OH, -COOH, NH2, halides etc.
3. The functionality of the monomer must be two or more like diacids, diamines, diols,
triols etc
4. The polymer built up by step wise condensation reaction of the functional groups.
5. The polymerization reaction is accompanied by the elimination of biproducts like HCl,
H2O.
6. The reactions are not exothermic.
7. The molecular weight of the polymer is not the sum of monomers molecular weights.
8. Polymers produced are living polymers containing functional groups at the end.
9. The reactions are catalyzed by catalyst. Ex: Nylon, bakelite

Copolymerization:

Polymerisation reaction in which a mixture of more than one monomeric species is

allowed to polymerise and form a copolymer. The copolymer can bemade not only by chain
 growth polymerization but by step growth polymerization also. It contains multiple units of each
monomer used in the same polymeric chain.

Ex: 1,3-butadiene and styrene can form a copolymer

Difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting resins

Thermoplastic polymers Thermosetting polymers

These are formed by addition polymerization These are formed by condensation polymerization

Monomer used in these is generally bifunctional In this monomer used is tri, tetra or polyfunctional

They are long chain linear polymer with These have three- dimensional network structure with
negligible cross links number of cross links

They have low molecular wt. They have high molecular wt

They are soft, weak , brittle They,are hard, strong and more brittle

They can be softened and reshaped and reused. They cannot be softened and reshaped again once
again.

e.g.- polyethylene, polystyrene, PVC, PVA etc. e.g.- phenol formaldehyde, ureaformaldehyde, nylon
6:6 etc.
Properties of polymers

• Crystallinity
• Glass Transition Temperature

Crystallinity

Crystallinity is the indication of the amount of crystalline region in the polymer with respect to
amorphous content.
• Crystallinity refers to the degree of structural order in a solid.
• In a crystal, the atoms or molecules are arranged in a regular, periodic manner.
• The degree of Crystallinity has a big influence on hardness, density, transparency and
diffusion. Ex: PET, Nylon
Factors effecting Crystallinity
1. Rate of cooling : Slower cooling promotes crystal formation and growth
2. Chain Configuration: Linear polymers form crystals more easily because the
molecules can orient themselves readily
3. Tacticity: The irregularity prevents the chains from packing closely to each other. The
order of Crystallinity is as follows
Isotactic > Syndiotactic > Atactic
4. Intermolecular forces: Crystallinity is favored by strong intermolecular forces The
presence of polar and hydrogen bonding groups favors Crystallinity because they make
possible dipole-dipole and hydrogen bonding intermolecular forces.
5. Bulky Side Groups
6. Co- Polymers The properties of the copolymer depend on the monomers and their
configuration; these may be divided into four categories: Alternating copolymers has
more crystalline than Block, Random and Graft Copolymers
7. Plastisizers: Plasticizers (chemicals added to a polymer to soften it) reduce the degree of
Crystallinity
With increase in % of crystallinity
➢ Strength and stiffness of polymer increases, but brittleness also increases
➢ Solubility and permeability of polymers decrease.
 ➢ Density and melting point of polymer increase.
➢ Opacity of the polymer also increases.

Differences between Amorphous and crystalline polymers:

Glass transition temperature (Tg)

Glass transition temperature is a temperature at which the polymer experiences the transition
from the glassy state to the rubbery state.
Glassy state is hard & brittle state of material which is consist of short-range vibrational &
rotational motion of atoms in polymer chain, while Rubbery state is soft & flexible state of
material which is a long-range rotational motion of polymer chain segments. It is represented
by Tg.
 • Below Tg ,amorphous polymer is brittle , hard and glassy.
Ex: polystyrene and poly
methyl methacrylate
• Above Tg ,polymer becomes
flexible , soft and rubbery.
Ex: Elastomers like
polyisoprene and
polyisobutylene

Factors effecting Tg.

1. Chain Flexibility & Rigidity
2. Steric Effects
3. Effect of Intermolecular Forces
4. Copolymerization
5. Cross linking & Crystallinity
6. Plasticizer

Chain flexibility
As Tg depends on the ability of a chain to undergo internal rotations, chain flexibility to be
associated with low glass transitions. polymers that contain −CH2−CH2− sequences and their
linkages in the main chain have relatively easy internal rotations and therefore low Tg values.
Steric effects:
The presence of bulky side groups hinders rotation of the backbone atoms due to steric
hindrance, and therefore results in an increase in Tg. The magnitude of this effect depends on the
size of the side groups.

Effect of Intermolecular Forces

The presence of polar side groups leads to strong intermolecular attractive interactions between
chains which hinders molecular motion thus causing an increase in Glass transition temperature.
Copolymerization
It is possible to alter the glass transition of a homo polymer by copolymerisation with a second
monomer.
If the two homo polymers prepared from the monomers have different Tgs, then it is reasonable
to expect that their random copolymer should have a glass transition which is intermediate
between the Tgs of the homo polymers.

Cross-linking & Crystallinity

• Both cross-linking and crystallinity cause an increase of the glass transition temperature.
•The presence of covalent bonding between chains reduces molecular freedom and thus the
free volume.
•Similarly, the presence of crystalline regions in an semicrystalline material restricts the
mobility of the disordered amorphous regions.

Plasticizer : By the addition of plasticizers to the polymer,it becomes flexible .So Tg is

reduces

Compounding of plastics

• Compounding is a process of melt blending plastics with other additives. This process
changes the physical, thermal, electrical or aesthetic characteristics of the plastic.
• The final product is called a compound or composite. Compounding starts with a base
resin or polymer.

Additives that are used for compounding are

• Resin
• Plasticizers
• Fillers
• Lubricants
• Stabilizers
• Coloring materials

Fabrication of plastics
Moulding the plastics into desired shaped articles is fabrication. Depending on the type of resin
whether thermoplastic or thermoset, there are different methods of fabrication.

• Compression
• Extrusion
• Blowing
• Thermoforming
• Injection
• Transfer

Compression moulding

• The oldest mass production process for polymer products

• Exclusively used for shaping thermosets

Process

• Mould is held between heated platens of hydraulic press

• Required quantity of plastic ingredients in proper proportion is filled in between the
two half pieces of the mold.
• The two halves are slowly closed so that material flows to shape
• Finally curing is done by heating for thermosets
• After curing, the molded article is taken out
Extrusion moulding

Principle : The extrusion process consists of forcing of a molten plastic material through a
shaped die to give an extrude of constant cross section.

The purpose of the extrusion line is to make a continuous uniform product of constant cross-
sectional shape along its length
This process involves 4 steps

1. Plastic pellets are placed in a feed hopper which feeds into the system.
2. A turning screw pushes the plastic into the barrel where heaters increase the temperature
and a melted polymer is obtained.
3. The melted plastic is forced through a shaping die. Depending on the particular shape of
this element, a continuous shape is formed and pulled out of the extrusion machine.
4. Solidification by cooling
5. Extrusion process used to produce a wide range of different forms of plastic, such as
tubes, sheets and films, structural parts

Advantages of extrusion
1. Low cost per part
2. Flexibility of operation
3. Continuous operation
4. High production volumes
5. Many types of raw materials can be used
6. Good mixing (Compounding)
7. Surface finish obtained is good
8. Good mechanical properties obtained in cold extrusion
Disadvantages of extrusion
1. Variations in size of product
2. Product limitations because of only one type of cross section can be obtained at a time
3. High initial cost setup
Applications of extrusion process
1. Electrical wires, bars and tubes are some of the items produced by hot extrusion
2. Collapsible tubes, gear blanks, aluminum cans, cylinders are some of the items produced
by cold extrusion
Blow moulding

Principle: Plastic is melted and extruded into a hollow tube (a parison). This parison is then
captured by closing it into a cooled metal mold. Air is then blown into the parison , inflating it
into the shape of the hollow bottle.

Process
• The process is similar to injection moulding and extrusion
• The plastic in granular form into a hoper that stores it
• A large thread is turned by a motor which feeds the granules through a heated section
• In this heated section the granules melt and becomes a liquid and the liqquid is fed into
mould
• Air is forced into the mould which forces the plastic to the sides giving the shape of the
bottle
• The mould is then cooled and is removed

.
Types of Blow moulding
• Extrusion blow moulding
• Injection blow moulding
• Stretch blow moulding
Extrusion blow moulding
• The extruded parison is cut off and moved to the mould and clamped there.
• The mould closes and parison is blown to shape.
 • The blown bottle is cooled and then Ejected.

Applications
• Thermoplastic materials can be processed by this method
HDPE,LDPE,PP,PVC,PET,PC
• Hallow spheres
• Bottles jerry cans
• Dustbins
• Drums
• Oil storage containers
• Petrol tanks for cars
Injection blow molding
Injection blow molding uses the injection molding to form hollow plastic parts.
Injection blow molding consist of three stages:
(1) injecting plastics into a mold to form a plastic tube;
(2) blowing the tube into a cavity mold to form a hollow part; and
(3) ejecting the part.

Stretch Blow Molding

• Stretch blow molding is the common method for producing soda bottles.
• The process begins with an injection molded perform.
• The perform is typically pre-heated then stretched in the axial direction and blown into its
final shape by a stretch blow molding machine.
Advantages of Blow moulding
 • Tooling is low in cost
• Production times are quick
• Complex parts can be manufactured
• Products can be recycled
• It allows for multiple methods of production.
Disadvantages of Blow moulding
• The down side is that parts made this way must always be hollow and controlling wall
thickness is difficult.
• It creates a huge impact on the environment.

Thermoforming Process
➢ It is the combination of extrusion with compression moulding
➢ Thermoplastic resin is extruded in the form of a sheet and heated to its softening
temperature the warm flexible sheet is compressed between the two moulds
➢ Cooling the shaped article ,it becomes rigid
➢ Removed from the mould

Advantages:
• Flexible design
• High production rate
• Low setup cost
• Less thermal stress
Disadvantages:
• Not eligible for thermosets
• Parts of Non- uniform thickness
Applications:
• It is useful for the fabricating 3D articles
• Submarine nulls
• Disposal cups
• Glasses
 • Automotive parts
• Food package
• Air craft windscreens
• Vehicle doors

Synthesis of polymers:
PET: Poly Ethylene Terephthalate or Terelene or Decoron
• PET is mostly used to create synthetic fibers and plastic bottles.
• clothing labels under the name “polyester.
• PET is a thermoplastic polyester resin
Synthesis:
• PET resins are produced commercially from ethylene glycol (EG) and either dimethyl
Terephthalate (DMT) or terephthalic acid (TPA). DMT and TPA are solids. It undergoes
condensation polymerization and removes methanol

Properties:
• It readily crystallizes because of the symmetrical structure and numerous polar groups
• It's Glass transition temperature and melting point 80°C and 245°C
• Light weight
• Temperature tolerance (-50 to 110F)
• Resistant to heat & moisture
• Good chemical resistance
• PET fibres are wrinkle resistant, abrasion & oxidation resistant
• Recyclability
Applications
 ➢ Used for making synthetic fibres like Terylene, Dacron etc.,
➢ To make transparencies for overhead projectors
➢ Electrical insulators
➢ Storage for carbonated beverages
➢ Materials for microwaves and conventional ovens

Synthesis, Properties and Applications of PTFE

Also called as Teflon

Prepared by polymerization of tetrafluoro ethylene under the pressure in the presence of benzoyl
peroxide as catalyst.

Properties:

➢ Due to Presence of highly electronegative fluorine atoms and strong attractive forces
between C-F bonds it becomes tough and rigid [Link] it assumes like thermoset but
it is a thermoplastic polymer.
➢ It's melting point is >350°C
➢ High density 2.1 to 2.3 gm/cm3.
➢ Chemical inertness over a wide temperature range.
➢ Excellent electrical insulation properties.
➢ Non-adhesive characteristics.
➢ Good thermal resistance (350°C).
➢ Excellent toughness and heat resistance

Applications:
 ➢ Wire and cable insulation
➢ Lamination for printed circuitry
➢ Coatings of frying pan, non stick containers
➢ Non-Lubricating bearings
➢ Variety of seals, stop cocks for burettes
➢ Insulation for motors, generators, capacitors.

Synthesis, Properties and Applications of PC (Polycarbonate)

Also called as Lexan, Merlon

Prepared by polymerization of diphenyl carbonate with bisphenol-A (2,2-bis (4-hydroxyphenyl)
propane).

Properties:
➢ Characterized by high impact
➢ Tensile strength over a wide range of temperature.
➢ Good dimensional stability.
➢ Transparency and optical clarity
➢ Flame retardancy, excellent fire performance
➢ Biologically inert and readily recyclable

Applications:
➢ Electrical insulator in electronics and electrical industries.
➢ Moulded domestic ware (food processor moulds, coffee maker, microwave cookware)
➢ Used in cameras (lens holders, shutter assembly etc)
 ➢ CD’s, DVD’s, Cellphones, laptops
➢ Automobile headlights

Synthesis, Properties and Applications of PMMA

Also called as Plexiglass or lucite
Prepared by polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of acetyl peroxide or
hydrogen peroxide as catalyst.

Properties:
➢ Amorphous, colourless, transparent thermoplastic with high optical transparency.
➢ Presence of methyl groups restrict the chain flexibility. So, it is hard and has higher Tg.
➢ Polar compound , hence does not have electrical insulation properties compare with PE.
➢ Excellent weather ability
➢ A wide light beam may be transmitted through long lengths of solid polymer because the
critical angle for the polymer boundary is 42°.
➢ Compared to glass, PMMA weighs only one-third, can be readily molded to desired
shape.
➢ Scratches on it can be easily removed by rubbing it with a cloth moistened with acetone.
Applications:
➢ Display signs both illuminated and non-illuminated for internal and external use.
➢ Light fittings for street lamp housing, ceiling light for school rooms, railway stations,
factories.
➢ Familiar bubble body of many helicopters.
➢ Motor-cycle windscreen.
➢ Wash basins.
➢ Dome-shaped covers of solar collectors (solar heaters)
➢ Optical fibres.
 ❖ For finishing of cotton textiles (They impart stiffness, water repellancy, shrinkage
control.

Synthesis, Properties and applications of Bakelite

These polymers are usually prepared by heating relatively low molecular mass, semi fluid
polymers, which becomes infusible and form an insoluble hard mass on heating. The hardening
on heating is due to the formation of extensive cross-linking between different polymeric
chains. This lead to the formation of a 3-Dimensional network of bonds connecting the polymer
chains.

Synthesis involves the following steps

Step 1: Formation of methylol phenol derivative

Initially the monomers combine to form methylol phenol derivative depending upon
phenol to formaldehyde ratio.
Step 2: Formation of Novolac:
The phenol formaldehyde derivatives react among themselves or with phenol to give a
linear polymer or a higher cross linked polymer.
OH OH OH OH
H2
CH2OH H C
-nH2O
n n

2-Hydroxymethyl-phenol Novolac

Step 3 Formation of Bakelite by condensation

A highly cross linked thermosetting polymer called Bakelite may be formed by further
condensation of Novolac or methylol derivative in the presence of Hexamethylene tetramine.
Hexamethylene tetramine converts the soluble and fusible Novolac into a hard infusible and
insoluble solid of cross linked structure
Properties
❖ Phenolic resins are hard, rigid and strong materials
❖ They have excellent heat and moisture resistance
❖ They have good chemical resistance
❖ Abrasion resistance
❖ Good electrical insulator
❖ Excellent bond strength and adhesive nature

Applications
❖ Domestic plugs and switches
❖ Handles for cooker and saucepans
❖ Distributor heads of cars
❖ Adhesive grinding wheels and brake linings
❖ Varnishes, protective coatings
❖ Ion exchange resin

Conducting polymers : Those polymers which conduct electricity are called conducting
polymers. The conduction of the polymers may be due to unsaturation or due to the presence of
externally added ingradients in them. The conducting polymers can be classified in the following
way.
Intrinsic conducting polymer
These polymers have extensive conjugation in the backbone which is responsible for
conductance.
a) Intrinsic polymer with Conjugation : Conducting polymers having conjugated π-electrons in
the backbone. Such polymers contain conjugated π-electrons in the backbone which increases
their conductivity to a large extent. This is because of overlapping of conjugated π –electrons
over the entire backbone results in the formation of valence bands as well as conduction bands
which were separated significant Fermi energy gap. by extends over the entire polymer
molecule. The electrical conductivity takes place only after thermal or photolytic activation of
the electrons.
Ex:
i. Poly Acetylene
ii. Aromatic condensed compounds
iii. Aromatic heterocyclic compounds

[Link] Conducting Polymers: The conducting polymers having Pi-electrons in the back
bone can easily oxidized or reduces because they possess low ionization potential and high
electron affinities. Hence their conductance can be increased by introducing positive or
negative charges on polymer backbone by oxidation or reduction. This process is similar to
semiconductor technology and is called doping. Doping is again two types.
1.p-doping : The polymers which have conjugation in the backbone when treated with electron
deficient species(lewis acids) like FeCl3or I2 vapour there takes place oxidation and positive
 charge is created in the molecule. Removal of one electron from the pi-back bone of
conjugated polymer forms a radical cation(polaron), which on losing another electron forms
bipolaron. The delocalization of positive charges causes electrical conduction.

2.n-doping : The polymers which have conjugation in the backbone when treated with electron
rich species(lewis bases) there takes place reduction and negative charge is created in the
molecule. By addition of one electron, a radical anion(polaron) and by the addition of second
electron forms bipolaron, due to the delocalization of the charges causes electrical conduction.

Extrinsic conductingpolymers:
The conductivity ofthesepolymers is due to the addition off external ingradients.
Again the extrinsically conducting polymers are two types
[Link] elementfilled polymers:
When carbon black or some metal oxides or metallic fibers are added the polymer becomes
[Link] minimum concentration off the element required for the conductivity is called
percolation [Link] filler(ingradients) that percolate have more surface area, more
porosity and filamentous nature due to which they can enhance the conducting properties.
Ex: polyphenylene vinylene,polyacetylene and polypyrrolepolyaniline .
[Link] conducting polymers:
The conventional polymer is blended with a conducting polymer to improve physical chemical ,
electrical and mechanical properties along with the processing properties.
Ex: 40% of polypyrrole in a conventional polymer give higher impact [Link] blended
polymers are used in electromagnetic shielding.
Applications
❖ anti-static substances for photographic film
❖ Corrosion Inhibitors
❖ Compact Capacitors
❖ Anti Static Coating
❖ Electromagnetic shielding for computers "Smart Windows"
❖ A second generation of conducting polymers have been developed these have industrial
uses like:
❖ Transistors
❖ Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)
❖ Lasers used in flat televisions
❖ Solar cells
❖ Displays in mobile telephones and mini-format television screens

Fibre Reinforced Polymers

Definition of Composite :
Two or more chemically distinct materials which when combined have improved properties
over the individual materials. Composites could be natural or synthetic.
• Composites are combinations of two materials in which one of the material is called the
reinforcing/dispersed phase, is in the form of fibers, sheets, or particles, and is embedded in the
other material called the matrix phase.
• The reinforcing phase consist of fibers which provide strength and stiffness.
• The common type of fibers are carbon, glass, aramid, basalt etc..
• The matrix protects and distributes the load applied between fibers. It binds the dispersed
phase together The polymer matrix composite consist of Resin. The common type of resins are
thermosetting materials such as polyester, epoxy's and thermo plastic materials such as
polyvinyl, polyethylene.
FRP composite materials have experienced a continuous increase of use in structural
strengthening and repair applications around the world in the last decade. Because,
• The main advantages of FRPs:
➢ Light weight- easy to handle and transport.
➢ High strength to weight ratio.
➢ Corrosion resistant-will not corrode.
➢ Better toughness, impact and thermal shock-resistance.
➢ Lower electrical conductivity.
➢ Better creep and fatigue strength.
➢ Higher specific stiffness.
➢ Cheaply and easily fabricable.
➢ Lower thermal expansion.

Classification of Fiber Reinforced Composites : These are classified into three types based on the
type of reinforced material used. They are

1. Glass fiber reinforced composites

2. Carbon fiber reinforced composites
3. Aramid fiber reinforced composites

[Link] fiber reinforced composites

➢ Glass fiber acts as a reinforcing material

➢ Glass fibers are produced by extruding a glass melt through a small orifice.
➢ Individual fibers are called monofilaments (10μm)
➢ Usually sizing agent (Chemical coupling agent + binder + lubricant) is applied on
monofilament to protect them from abrasion.
➢ Polymer matrices especially nylon, polyesters etc characteristics can be improved by
using glass fibres.
 These composites possess
➢ Low density
➢ High tensile strength
➢ Impact resistance
➢ Chemical and corrosion resistance
Applications of Glass Fibre reinforced composites:
➢ Automobiles
➢ Storage tanks
➢ Industrial Floorings and transportation
➢ Plastic pipes
[Link] fiber reinforced composites: Also known as Advanced polymer matrix composites or
High performance composites
➢ Carbon fiber acts as a reinforcing material
➢ Polymer acts as a matrix material
Ex: polyester, polyacrylonitrile vinyl ester or nylon etc.
➢ Excellent resistance to corrosion
➢ Lighter density
➢ Retention of desired properties even at elevated temperatures
➢ Resistant to acids, bases and most of the chemicals
Applications:
➢ Structural components(like wing,body,stabilizer) of aircraft and helicopters.
➢ Recreational equipments(fishing rods)
➢ Sport materials(golf clubs)etc
[Link] fiber reinforced composites:
➢ Aramid fiber acts as a reinforcing material
Ex: Nomex, Kevlar
These can be further classified into following two categories:
a. Short Aramid fiber reinforcing composites
b. Long Aramid fiber reinforcing composites
a. Short Aramid fiber reinforcing composites give effective reinforcement,due to their
➢ High surface area
 ➢ Strength
➢ Heat stability
➢ Inherent toughness and
➢ High wear resistance
Applications:
➢ Automobile brakes and clutches
b. Long Aramid fiber reinforcing composites are
➢ Metal-like ductile
➢ High compressive strength as they are capable of absorbing energy.
➢ High Temperature range (-200 ─ 200 oC)
Applications:
Structural materials of helicopter parts (rotor blades and motor housing)