Unit 1

General introduction to composite materials: Concept and definition, classification of composites (CMC, MMC, PMC).Functional roles of reinforcement and matrix and importance of interface. Polymer matrix composites (PMCs): Fiber reinforced and particulate filled polymer composites. Reinforcements (glass, carbon/graphite, Kevlar), Matrices – Thermoset matrices – polyesters, epoxides, phenolics, vinyl esters, polyimides, cyanate esters – Thermoplastic matrices. Choice of reinforcements and matrices for different application needs.

Unit 2

Fiber reinforced polymer composites (FRPs): Basic rule of mixtures, stress-strain relationships. Tailoring of structural properties through laminar-sequencing and choice of fiber fractions/fiber orientations, to meet design requirements. Effect of environmental conditions on properties. Mechanical behaviour of FRP composites: Fiber controlled and matrix dependent properties (tensile, compressive, shear). Experimental determination of composite properties by standard test methods. Composite constructions: Monolithic composite laminates: unidirectional and bidirectional, multi-axial, 3D, filament wound and braided types.

Unit 3

1. B. Astrom, “Manufacturing of Polymer Composites”, CRC Press, 1997
2. P. K. Mallick, “Fiber-Reinforced Composites: Materials, Manufacturing, and Design”, CRC Press, 2007.

• F. C. Campbell (Ed), Manufacturing processes for advanced composites, Elsevier, 2004.
• S T Peters (Ed.), “Handbook of Composites”, Springer, 1998.