Short Fibre-Polymer Composites

Short-fibre reinforced composites are finding increasing applications in engineering and in consumer goods. They offer a unique combination of properties or may be used simply because they are more economical than competing materials. In the case of thermoplastics methods such as injection moulding are available, allowing mass production of components with quite intricate shapes. Reinforced thermosets suitable for injection moulding have also been developed, whereas thermoforming (using sheet moulding compound) is another alternative.This book presents an up-to-date review of short fibre reinforced composites which covers thermoplastics, thermosets, and rubbers. The emphasis is on the research that has underpinned their development and discussion is centered on understanding the origins of their properties. Short Fibre-Polymer Composites provides an introduction to these "designer materials" that will be helpful to both the designer and the fabricator.