Unit 1

Types of reinforcements, their mechanical properties and functions – ceramics, glass, carbon, boron, silicon carbide, metal, aramid. Forms of reinforcements – particulate, fibre, filaments, whiskers, flakes. Pre-fabricated forms – preforms, prepegs, fabrics, honeycomb.

Type of matrix, its mechanical properties and functions – polymers (thermosets and thermoplastics), metals, ceramics, glass and carbon. Basic principles in the design of composites and selection of matrix and reinforcement. Bonding mechanisms.

Unit 2

Anisotropic Behaviour and relationship between structure-mechanical properties.

Mechanical testing – tensile, compressive, Intra-laminar shear, Inter-laminar shear and fracture.

Polymer Matrix Composites: Types of thermoset and thermoplastic resins. Principles in the selection of matrix and the reinforcements. Process selection criteria. Mould and tool making. Basic manufacturing steps – impregnation, lay-up, consolidation and solidification.

Unit 3

• Clyne T. W. and Withers P. J. – ‘An Introduction to Metal Matrix Composites’ – Cambridge University Press – 1993
• Matthews F. L. and Rawlings R. D. – ‘Composite Materials: Engineering and Science’ – Chapman & Hall, London – 1994

• Suresh S., Martensen A., and Needleman A. – ‘Fundamentals of Metal Matrix Composites’ – Butterworth, Heinemann – 1993
• Mallick P. K. – ‘Fiber-reinforced Composites: Materials, Manufacturing and Design’ – Marcel Dekker – 1993
• Mazumdar S. K. – ‘Composites Manufacturing – Materials, Product & Process Engineering’ – CRC Press – 2002