With the advent of high performance thermoplastic polymers, structural applications for thermoplastic composites are increasing rapidly. Thermoplastic matrix composites possess distinct advantages vis-a `-vis thermoset matrix composites in terms of recyclability, high specific strength and specific stiffness, corrosion resistance, enhanced impact toughness, cost effectiveness, and flexibility of design. Since 1990s, the number of material forms and combinations in fibre reinforced thermoplastic polymers has increased exponentially, thereby expanding application avenues in transportation, automotive, mass transit, marine, aerospace, military and construction sectors. In this paper we review the state of the art in processing of fibre reinforced thermoplastics. We start with a brief description of thermoplastic polymers used in structural applications followed by material forms and methods of impregnation of the reinforcement with polymer. Long fibre based processing methods are described next. A description of emerging thermoplastic composite processes and products follows. Finally we review process models and representative applications.
Low velocity impact response of glass reinforced polymer composites, which have the potential to self-repair both micro- and macro-damage, has been investigated. This class of material falls under the category of passive smart polymer composites. The self-repairing mechanism is achieved through the incorporation of hollow fibers in addition to the normal solid reinforcing fibers. The hollow fibers store the damage-repairing solution or chemicals that are released into the matrix or damaged zone upon fiber failure. Plain-weave S-2 glass fabric reinforcement, vinyl ester 411-C50 and EPON-862 epoxy resin systems were considered for this study. Different tubing materials were investigated for potential use as storage materials for the repairing chemicals instead of the actual hollow repair fibers and included borosilicate glass micro-capillary pipets, flint glass pasteur pipets, copper tubing and aluminum tubing. composite panels were fabricated by using a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process. The present investigation addressed fabrication of self-repairing composite panels and some of the parameters that influence the response of self-repairing composites to impact loading. Specific issues addressed by this study include: the processing quality; the selection of storage material for the repairing solution; release and transportation of the repairing solution; the effect of the number, type and spatial distribution of the repairing tubes, specimen thickness, matrix material and impact energy level.
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