A composite material is a compound thatconsist of two or more material componentsthat have different physical and chemicalproperties. The resulting composite materialhas characteristics different from the individualconstituents.

In a composite material the differentcomponents are separated and distinct infinished layers. They have various uses thatspan all industries and applications. Examplesof composite materials include cement forbuilding materials, plastics like fiber-reinforcedpolymer, metal composites and ceramics likemetal ceramics. Use of composites has grownin importance in spacecraft and in aircraftenvironments among other industries, andnew composite materials are being developed

constantly to advance the boundaries and capabilities of material science.

Thermoplastic composites :

A thermoplastic is a polymeric material that can be shaped into a viscous material at atemperature either higher than its transition temperature or a temperature above its meltingpoint. Thermoplastics can be made up of a long, linear or branched materials which areseparated away from each other chemically.

Production of composite materials does come with its own challenges such as a time-consuming or expensive production process, and potentially higher scrap rates. Thermoplasticcomposites have proved to overcome this problem as they are tough, stiff, and cost effectiveas they can be recycled.

Thermoplastic resins and fiber :

When discussing thermoplastic composite materials, generally speaking the composite materialwill consist of a standard thermoplastic base resin which is combined with some other additiveor constituent such as a metal powder, or carbon fiber.

The purpose of the added constituent is to add or improve a specific physical property such as increasing impact strength by adding glass fiber.

Thermoplastic composites have several advantages which include efficient heat tolerance,longer half-life, relatively cheap, non-toxic and very low toxic level. They are also reusable,machinable, and flexible for shaping and reforming. Thermoplastics composites are also stiffercompared to other injected molded plastics.

Other features that make the thermoplastic composites more useful is that they can becompounded to result in a material that is tougher and lighter compared to aluminum.

Thermoplastic composites have become of great importance in use in the aerospace industry.Use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) has become of great benefit in the production ofaero crafts. Carbon-fibre reinforced thermoplastic are formed by compounding the carbonfiber directly into the base resin to result in an easily processed material that can be formedto shape. The resultant material is made to the right size and can consist of up to 60% byvolume carbon fiber and 40% by volume resin.

A thermoplastic CFRP has great tolerance to fatigue and damage, it takes a shorter time tomanufacture and has low moisture absorption properties making it appropriate for anaerospace environment.

Typical thermoplastic materials used include; carbon/PPS, carbon/PEKK, carbon/PEEK,carbon/PEI, glass/PPS, glass/PEI, and glass/PEEK.

Aircraft companies in particular are using more and more thermoplastic composites given their enhanced durability and their optimal strength to weight ratio.

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