New Advances in Thermoplastic Commingled Composites: Processing and Molecular Dynamics

Abstract

This chapter addresses a current and innovative topic related to thermoplastic commingled composites. Computational molecular dynamics simulations represent a very sophisticated technique for characterizing microstructures, but it is still not widely explored in the area of high-performance thermoplastic polymers. The molecular dynamics technique evaluates the movements of atoms as a function of time and temperature, according to external demands and boundary conditions of the molecular system. Based on thermodynamics, atomistic and classical mechanics theories, molecular dynamics simulations with empirical potentials aim at (i) the development of new polymeric materials, (ii) the optimization of polymer properties, and (iii) the characterization of these materials. The molecular dynamics technique provides a prediction of mechanical and thermal behavior of high-performance polymeric microstructures, reducing the number of tests and experimental practices, whichincreases the operational cost of engineering projects and the characterization of structural composite materials. Furthermore, this chapter also includes a scientific and technological literature background to demonstrate and highlight the conjuncture between thermal processing parameters, thermal degradation kinetics, processing optimization, thermal and mechanical characterization techniques. It also includes literature and experimental background based on previous studies.