Durability of polymer composite materials for high-temperature applications

Abstract

“Advanced polymer composites” or “high-performance polymer composites” mainly depend on fiber, micro/nanoparticles, powder reinforcements, thermoplastic, and thermoset-based matrix components. These composites allow the development of secured, long-range airplanes, and highly light machine components in wide-range automotive and railway, aerospace, geopolymer, membrane, and energy applications. Polymer composites provide a significant contribution to our society's long-term growth. They are increasingly the material of choice whenever technological progress leads to demand for combining the characteristics that no single material can offer. The manufacturer of a composite can achieve qualities that neither material exhibits on its own by distributing fibers or particles of one component in a matrix or binder of another. This chapter explains the main and most commonly used types of high-performance polymer matrices and some of the fiber reinforcements with thermal resistance, as well as an overview of their applications in detail. Moreover, it indicates which application is potentially more dominant, as well. Finally, current troubles, future challenges, and some changing requirements are underlined and discussed. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.