Conventional synthetic materials, like metals, ceramics or glass, are usually isotropic substances, and their suitability for structural applications is achieved by morphological design and combination in the macroscopic scale. However, in modem engineering this is often not acceptable. As an alternative, the use of non-homogeneous, anisotropic materials, with significant stiffness and strength only in the directions these mechanical properties are really needed, can lead to enormous material (and weight) savings. This is the case of multiphase systems called composite materials. In these composites, different material parts are added and arranged geometrically, under clearly designed and controlled conditions. Usually, a structure of fibers provides strength and stiffness and a matrix helds them together, whilst providing the geometric form. Carbon fibers are among the high-performance fibers employed in these advanced structural composites, which are profoundly changing many of today's high technology industries. New research and development challenges in this area include upgrading the manufacturing process of fibers and composites, in order to improve characteristics and reduce costs, and modifying the interfacial properties between fibers and matrix, to guarantee better mechanical properties. The interdisciplinary nature of this "new frontier" is obvious, involving chemistry, materials science, chemical and mechanical engineering. Other topics, which more often are treated separately, are also important for the understanding of the processes of fiber production. Carbon filaments is one such topic, as the study of their mechanisms of nucleation and growth is clearly quite relevant to the production of vapour-grown carbon fibers.

Most literature pertaining to carbon fibers is of a theoretical nature. Carbon Fibers and their Composites offers a comprehensive look at the specific manufacturing of carbon fibers and graphite fibers into the growing surge of diverse applications that include flameproof materials, protective coatings, biomedical and prosthetics application

Military use of advanced polymer matrix composites (PMC)â€"consisting of a resin matrix reinforced by high-performance carbon or organic fibersâ€"while extensive, accounts for less that 10 percent of the domestic market. Nevertheless, advanced composites are expected to play an even greater role in future military systems, and DOD will continue to require access to reliable sources of affordable, high-performance fibers including commercial materials and manufacturing processes. As a result of these forecasts, DOD requested the NRC to assess the challenges and opportunities associated with advanced PMCs with emphasis on high-performance fibers. This report provides an assessment of fiber technology and industries, a discussion of R&D opportunities for DOD, and recommendations about accelerating technology transition, reducing costs, and improving understanding of design methodology and promising technologies.

The major areas of carbon-carbon materials and composites are described in this comprehensive volume. It presents data and technology on the materials and structures developed for the production of carbon-carbon materials and composites. The text is composed of papers by 13 noted authors in their areas of expertise relating to the processes and production of these material systems and structures. The subject matter in the book is arranged to lead the reader through materials processing, fabrication, structural analysis, and applications of typical carbon-carbon products. The information provided includes: fiber technology, matrix material, design of composite structures, manufacturing techniques, engineering mechanics, protective coatings, and structural applications using carbon-carbon materials and composites.

Advanced composite materials have been a major research focus for the past forty years. As a reinforcement for conventional materials including glass, ceramics and polymers, carbon has proved to be the most successful. Carbon gives these materials flexibility so that they may be produced in bulk form with a wide variety of properties. Whereas carbon/carbon composites are the most effective materials in extreme temperature conditions. Application ranges from brakes to missile nose cones. Carbon Reinforcements and Carbon/Carbon Composites gives the present state on this subject in comprehensive form, as well as projections for other "High Tech" materials and their application.

A comprehensive reference on the properties, selection, processing, and applications of the most widely used nonmetallic engineering materials. Section 1, General Information and Data, contains information applicable both to polymers and to ceramics and glasses. It includes an illustrated glossary, a collection of engineering tables and data, and a guide to materials selection. Sections 2 through 7 focus on polymeric materials--plastics, elastomers, polymer-matrix composites, adhesives, and sealants--with the information largely updated and expanded from the first three volumes of the Engineered Materials Handbook. Ceramics and glasses are covered in Sections 8 through 12, also with updated and expanded information. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This book was begun after three of the present authors gave a series of in vited talks on the subject of the structure and properties of carbon filaments. This was at a conference on the subject of optical obscuration, for which submicrometer diameter filaments with high length-to-diameter ratios have potential applications. The audience response to these talks illustrated the need of just one scientific community for a broader knowledge of the struc ture and properties of these interesting materials. Following the conference it was decided to expand the material presented in the conference proceedings. The aim was to include in a single volume a description of the physical properties of carbon fibers and filaments. The research papers on this topic are spread widely in the literature and are found in a broad assortment of physics, chemistry, materials science and engineering and polymer science journals and conference proceedings (some of which are obscure). Accordingly, our goal was to produce a book on the subject which would enable students and other researchers working in the field to gain an overview of the subject up to about 1987.

Provides introductory information on carbon fiber composites, including polymer-matrix, metal matrix, carbon-matrix, ceramic-matrix, and hybrid composites. Places emphasis on materials rather than mechanics.

Given such properties as low density and high strength, polymer matrix composites have become a widely used material in the aerospace and other industries. Polymer matrix composites and technology provides a helpful overview of these materials, their processing and performance.After an introductory chapter, part one reviews the main reinforcement and matrix materials used as well as the nature of the interface between them. Part two discusses forming and molding technologies for polymer matrix composites. The final part of the book covers key aspects of performance, including tensile, compression, shear and bending properties as well as impact, fatigue and creep behaviour.Polymer matrix composites and technology provides both students and those in industry with a valuable introduction to and overview of this important class of materials. - Provides a helpful overview of these materials, their processing and performance incorporating naming and classification of composite materials - Reviews the main reinforcement and matrix materials used as well as the nature of the interface between them including damage mechanisms - Discusses forming and molding technologies for polymer matrix composites outlining various techniques and technologies