A Review of Prestressed Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites

Abstract

This review examines various studies on reducing tensile stresses generated in a polymer matrix composite without increasing the mass or dimension of the material. The sources of residual stresses and their impacts on the developed composite were identified, and the different techniques used in limiting residual stresses were also discussed. Furthermore, the review elaborates on fibre-prestressing techniques based on elastically (EPPMC) and viscoelastically (VPPMC) prestressed polymer matrix composites, while advantages and limitations associated with EPPMC and VPPMC methods are also explained. The report shows that tensile residual stresses are induced in a polymer matrix composite during production as a result of unequal expansion, moisture absorption and chemical shrinkage; their manifestations have detrimental effects on the mechanical properties of the polymer composite. Both EPPMC and VPPMC have great influence in reducing residual stresses in the polymer matrix and thereby improving the mechanical properties of composite materials. The reports from this study provide some basis for selecting a suitable technique for prestressing as well as measuring residual stresses in composite materials.

Special Issue: Synthesis, Processing, Structure and Properties of Polymer Materials

“…In this Special Issue, 33 original articles have been published on various topics, including the preparation, characterization, and some examples of application of polymeric materials. This issue includes review articles [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ] and research articles [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ].…”

“…Another 5 papers were devoted to organic-inorganic materials [ 3 ] and polymer composites [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. In the review paper of Ikake, Hara and Shimizu [ 3 ], the authors discussed the organic-inorganic hybrid materials which have become indispensable high-performance and highly functional materials.…”

“…The paper of Ogunleye and Rusnakova [ 6 ], reviews some of the studies related to the techniques associated with fibre-prestressing in polymer matrix development. The reports from this study provide some basis for selecting a suitable technique for prestressing as well as measuring residual stresses in composite materials.…”

Elastic Fibre Prestressing Mechanics within a Polymeric Matrix Composite

“…Depending on the mechanical properties of the fibre materials, fibre prestressing can be applied on both elastic fibres and viscoelastic fibres to produce (i) an elastically prestressed polymeric matrix composite (EPPMC) and (ii) a viscoelastically prestressed polymeric matrix composite (VPPMC) [ 23 , 24 ]. For (i), EPPMC is produced by applying tension on fibres, which is maintained throughout the curing process.…”

Compression Relaxation of Multi-Structure Polymer Composites in Penetrating Liquid Medium

“…The compositions of the most common and effective damping materials used in mechanical engineering include elastic polymers and strong fibrous fillers [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. The combination of polymers and high-strength fibers in the composition of multi-structural composites makes it possible to obtain materials with unique mechanical properties and high resistance to aggressive media.…”