Thermoplastic vs. thermosetting structural composites

Abstract

High performance composites are normally fabricated from continuous fiber and fabric reinforcements embedded in a thermosetting resin. Currently, thermoplastics are receiving considerable attention as matrix materials in structural composites. These thermoplastic composites can be fabricated by novel techniques which are less cumbersome and potentially faster than curing in an autoclave. In this paper, fabrication techniques and physical properties of thermosetting composites will be compared. Applications where thermoplastic composites are particularly well suited will be presented.

Research needs concerning the performance of fiber reinforced (FR) composite retrofit systems for buildings and infrastructure

“…In a manufacturing facility, thermoplastics can be heated to a liquid state and pressurized to impregnate reinforcing fibers. Then the thermoplastic can be cooled back into a solid while being held under pressure [43]. Thermoplastics are most often prepared with shortened fibers since they can be more easily mixed under high temperature and extruded from the mixer as a composite.…”

“…Thermosets are more commonly used in outdoor applications since they are low viscosity and can easily impregnate fabrics at room temperature before cure. In contrast, thermoplastics have relatively high viscosities, even at elevated temperatures, and require pressurization and more sophisticated equipment to impregnate fabrics [43]. Durability is important to consider as polymers can degrade in the presence of UV light, moisture, and temperature.…”

Natural Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics

“…In part, this could be explained in terms of well-known drawbacks of thermoplastics themselves, especially creep,2. 3 which have hindered their more extensive use in composites, when compared with thermosets. Notwithstanding these shortcomings, a renewed interest has developed in thermoplastic composites,3 thus opening an important field of application for several types of reinforcements, including natural fibers.…”

Anelastic Deformation of a Thermoplastic-Matrix Fiber Composite at Elevated Temperature; Part I: Neat Resin Structure Characterization

“…However, several years ago, the introduction and development of new thermoplastics, e.g., Torlon (polyamideimide, by Amoco), PEEK (polyetheretherketone, by ICI Petrochemicals) and Ryton (polyphenylene sulfide, by Phillips Chemical), followed by numerous other candidates, as matrix materials in structural composites have given another dimension to the advanced application of reinforced plastic materials. This new generation of engineering materials, thermoplastic polymer matrix-continuous fiber composites, offer the potential of significant improvement and advantage in many aspects, compared with conventional reinforced thermosets (e.g., References [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]). The advantages include long shelf life at all stages, improved damage tolerance, and the potential, depending on the resin, of better environmental resistance, high use temperature (high T. and/or Tm), and attractive repairability.…”