Thermoplastic Composites

INTRODUCTION
Composite materials have been used since biblical times when chopped
straw was added in bricks to make building materials. The modern composite materials
age began with the introduction of particular fibrous reinforcement materials into
thermosets phenollics in 1900’s. The first GRP was made in 1942. Reinforcement
thermoplastic were virtually non-existent in early 1950’s but by 1990’ s reinforcement
thermoplastic represented about one fourth of the total reinforced plastics & composite
materials.

Scientists have started mixing materials with different properties in new

way so as to make new materials which have , good properties of the constituents materials
without having the inherent, weakness or disadvantages of the individual materials . These
new materials are called as composite materials. Composite materials are made by the
combining two or more than two dissimilar materials. A selected fillers or reinforcing
agents & compatible matrix binder.(i.e. Resin) are combine in such a way that the
resulting composite materials possess superior properties which are not obtained with
single constituent materials.

You may understand the nature of composite material by simply taking

example of day to day life such as concrete slab of our house. It is the most common
composite material in our day to day life. It consist of cement concrete and iron bars. The
cement gives protection to the iron bars , from adverse environmental condition & iron
bars gives the strength, flexibility & stiffness to structure. The idea and principle is exactly
applied in thermoplastic composites.

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 Thermoplastic Composites

COMPOSITE MATERIALS.
Thus composite material can be defined as multiphase material, formed by
combination of materials differing in composition which remain bonded together, but
retain their identities & properties, without going into any chemical reaction.

The composite material don’t dissolve but they are completely merge with
each other. They maintain an interface between each other & act in concrete to provide
improved specific or synergistic characteristic not obtainable by any of the original
component acting singly.

CLASSIFICATION :

Composite materials are broadly classified into natural & synthetic

composites. fig schematically shows the classification.

COMPOSITE MATERIALS

SYNTHETIC COMPOSITES NATURAL COMPOSITES

PHASE COMPOSITES LAYERED COMPOSITES

FIBROUS FLAKE PARTICULATE LAMINATED SANDWICH

COMPOSITES COMPOSITES COMPOSITES COMPOSITES COMPOSITES

As seen in the phase composition which is generally alone in most

composite ingredients is inserts into the other material known as matrix.

The classification based on the plastic matrix are thermoplastic & thermosetting.

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 Thermoplastic Composites

CONSTITUENTS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS.

The composite materials are made up of constituent materials which are
grouped as

MATRIX

REINFORCEMENT

FIBRE MATRIX INTERPHASE

FILLERS

MATRIX :- It is also called as binder. The phase that receives the inserts in the phase
composition is the continuous phase & is called as matrix.

Ex. - polymer, ceramics, Metals.

REINFORCEMENT :- These are materials which basically gives strength, stiffness &
other mechanical properties to composite materials.

Ex. – Glass, Boron, Jute fibres.

FIBER-MATRIX INTERPHASE

The interphase between the fiber and matrix can be easily identified ,it
is the behaviour and property of interphase that generally control the properties of
composites. The main role of interphase is to transmit and distribute the load on matrix to
the reinforcement.

FILLERS & ADDITIVES

Fillers are added is polymeric matrix for following reasons.

1. Reduce cost 2. Increase stiffness. 3. Reduce mold shrinkage. 4. Control viscosity.

5. Produce smooth surface.

This fillers should be inert & their presence in a polymeric matrix.

Should not affect the processing & polymerization.

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 Thermoplastic Composites

MATRIX

Definition – The phase that receive the inserts in phase composition is continuous phase &
is called as matrix. It is also called as binders. The matrix material employed for
fabrication of composites material are usually polymer & commonly called as Resin.

Functions – The function of matrix or binders are as follows.

a) It gives mouldability or shape to composite.

b) It makes the composite materials generally resistance to adverse environment.

c) It also protect the reinforcement from adverse environments.

Types - The materials used for the matrix are plastic, rubbers, ceramic & metals.

Plastic matrix based composite materials now constitute more than 95% of
all composite materials in use today. Both Thermoplastic & Thermosetting materials are
used as matrix materials.

Among these plastic material we are interested in the matrix made up of

Thermoplastic composite with their inherent properties which can contribute to composite
materials. Some of the thermoplastic materials are discuss.

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 Thermoplastic Composites

LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE

The polyethylene is manufactured from pure ethylene as a result of high
pressure methods.

These polymer has excellent properties that are required for matrix or binders this are.

Mechanical Properties:

Specific Gravity = 0.91 – 0.93

Processing temp = 180-2120 F.

Tensile strength = 0.9 – 2.5 x 103 psi

Impact strength = 0.2-12 ftlb/inch

Chemical properties:

High moisture Proofness.

Chemical stability.

Resistance to action of micro-organism.

It has high stability toward diverse Corrosive medium.

Applications –

These PE is used in pipe which has been used for transportation various
kinds of fluids because of its high resistance to corrosive materials.

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 Thermoplastic Composites

HIGH DENSITY POLYTHYLENE.

This polyethylene is manufactured from pure ethylene as result of low
pressure methods.

This polymer has excellent properties that are required for matrix or binders
these are :

Mechanical properties :

Specific Gravity = 0.94 – 0.96

Tensile strength = 2.9-5.4 x 103 psi

Impact strength = 0.4 – 14 ftlb/inch

Processing temp = 175 – 2500F

Chemical Properties :

High moisture proof ness.

Chemical stability.

Resistance to action of micro-organism.

High stability towards diverse corrosive medium.

POLYPROPYLENE
Polymerisation of propylene is carried out in presence of suitable
heterogeneous catalyst to form polypropylene.

Polypropylene has been found to have rare combination of excellent

physical, mechanical thermal, electrical & chemical properties with outstanding high
temperature resistance. These properties are used in matrix.

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 Thermoplastic Composites

Mechanical Properties

Specific Gravity = 0.90 – 0.91

Tensile Strength = 4.5 – 6 x 103 psi

Impact strength = 0.4 – 12 ftlb/inch

Processing temp. = 225 – 300o F

Chemical Properties

The PP is probably lightest know industrial polymer.

Polypropylene exhibits high stiffness, hardness & tensile strength because

of high crystallinity0.

Poly propylene is resistance to many chemicals such as alkali, acids.

It also has good moisture resistance.

Applications

Due to high strength rigidity, temp resistance & chemical resistance pp is

suitable to used in the production of chemical & biological attacks.

NYLONS – 6 OR PERLON – L
A polyamide closely related is Nylon known as Perlon – L or Nylon – 6 is
based on a polymeric fibre form only one constituent caprolactum NH – (CH)5 – CO
giving polymer ( − (CH 2 ) 5 CO − NH − ) n it is prepared by prolong heating of ω – amino
caprolactum at 250 – 278 C. Nylon is often used in thermoplastic composite because of
presence of saturation or double bonds in its structures.

Mechanical Properties :

Specific Gravity = 1.14 Tensile Strength = 12.5 x 103 psi

Impact Strength = 2.0 – 5.0 ftlb/inch Processing Temp. =180 - 300 o F

Chemical Properties

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 Thermoplastic Composites

Good Solvent Resistance

Good Biological Resistance

High Toughness and Elasticity

Applications

Nylon is used in making transmission belts, link belts.

POLYPHENYLENE SULPHIDE
These materials have been prepared by polymerisation at p-
halothiophenoxide metal component both in solid state and in solution.

Condensation of p-chlorobenzene with element sulphur in presence of

sodium sulphide. These are of two types, thermoplastic which is branched and viscous in
nature. And this can be subsequently oxidised to give cross linked structure.

Mechanical Properties : Specific Gravity = 1.34

Tensile strength = 10 x 103psi

Processing temp = 5000 to 6000F

Chemical Properties: Heat resistance very high

flame resistance

chemical resistance

electrical resistance.

Applications

This polymer with its very high heat & flame resistance & chemical &
electrical resistance characteristic found its application in exhaust gas return value
carburetor parts, ignition plates, Motor housing.

REINFORCEMENT

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Fibres are the principle constituents in fibre reinforcement composite

materials.

Definitions :- It is materials which gives strength, stiffness & other mechanical properties
to composite materials.

Function :- The reinforcement are used to improve the structural characteristics of

materials. They can be continuous in form of fibre, filament or discontinuous in forms of
(whiskers, flake or particular ).

The reinforcement increases the ratio of strength to density & stiffness to density.

Improve formability & electrical prop.

It also increase resistance to corrosion fatigue, creep & repturs stress & reduce cost.

TYPES OF REINFORCEMENTS
Reinforcement can be classified in 5 types.

1. Mineral reinforcement :- The mineral fillers most commonly employed are CaCo3,
Silica, mica tale clay, alumina etc.

2. Hybrid reinforcement – in hybrid composite two or more high performance

reinforcements are combined.

3. Sandwich Reinforcement

Composite structure consisting of a thermoplastic core sandwich between

two metal pieces or layers. Ex – steel – pp – steel Al – Nr – Al.

4. Metal filled thermoplastics

Although plastics are electrical & thermal insulators. They can be made conductor by
introducing metallic or conductive fillers.

5. Organic & inorganic reinforcements

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Inorganic or organic fibers such as carbon, glass, aramides etc have been widely used with
plastic mainly to improve mechanical strengths & tensile modulus.

Now we will discuss some of the fibres used in reinforcements one by one.

GLASS FIBRE.
Glass fibre are the oldest form of strength fibre used in composite structure
materials. Continuous fibre are made by a growth extension process. In air craft aerospace
& military application in which strength to wt. Ratio are critical constitute the fastest
growing market for glass fibre reinforced materials.

The glass fibre for reinforcement is available in several forms like fibres
rovings, chopped, strands, yarns & mate.

The principle ingredients in all glass fibres is silica and other oxide. The Na2O & K2O
content in glass fibre is quite low which give them a better corrosion resistance to water as
well as higher surface resistivity.

The glass fibres are availables in no. of grades for reinforcement purpose.

A particular form is choosen depending on the molding methods, properly to be improved

& cost of final products.

A glass – cost effective, for general purpose. Easily attacked by moisture & alkaline.

E glass –these has high level electrical resistivity, surface resistivity & forming.

C glass – impact, high acid resistance

D glass – highest structural resistance properly when stiffness is more important than
strength.

Application : These found application in pressure bottles, automobile bodies, for tubing &
pipes & in sportsgoods.

CARBON FIBRE

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 Thermoplastic Composites

Now a days carbon fibres finds its own place in the composite materials
where weight reduction are valuable.

Many techniques have been tried for producing carbon fibre. All of them
involve the heat treatment of carbon containing raw material usually in form of polymer
fibre & carbonising them . Three raw materials generally employed for production of
commercial products these are rayon, acryllic, & PAN fibre & fibre span pitch.

Carbon filled composite has electrical conductivities coupled with good

mechanical prop.

Advantages – 1. High tensile strength – wt. Ratio.

2. High tensile modulus – wt. Ratio.

3.Very low co-efficient of linear thermal expansion which provides

dimensional stability.

4. High fatigue strength.

Disadvantage – low impact resistance, high electrical conductivity.

Applications – High temperature property of carbon fibre are being put to use in pump
packing, bearing & breaks or breaks disc materials.

BORON FIBRES
Boron fibre is also immerging as the principle constituents or high
characteristic properties contain fibre.

This are prepared by reduction of boron tri-chloride in chemical vapour deposition process
on hot tungsten or graphite filament.

Advantages . 1. these are of low density, high tensile strength, high modulus fibres.

2. these are extremely hard.

Disadvantages – The amorphous boron fibre has excellent properties but process is very
costly.

Applications –These are highly suitable for aerospace industries, Automobile industries.

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 Thermoplastic Composites

Boron fibre have been used in some sporting good equipments.

KEVLAR FIBRE
Now one of the immerging member in reinforcement fibre family is kevlar.
These are introduce in 1972 commercially to replace steel in radial tyres.

These are mainly of two types kevlar 29 & kevlar 49.

These are low density strength armid fibre. Designed for ballistic
protection slash & cut resistance, ropes, cables & coating fabrics for flashable &
architechral fabrics. It is also used in production such as brakes & clutches.

Advantage – Light wt.- high strength & stifness

Resistance to stretch.

Vibration, damping & damage resistance.

Disadvantage – It is very costly.

Application: These are finding broad application in belts of radials car tyres, car cases,
marine, automobile & other industrial applications.

JUTE
Commercially jute is the most important vegetable fibre other than cotton.
About 60% of world jute is produce in India.

These are cheap & easily available fibre. After the retting the fibre is
removed from the stream by hand in a process known as stripping.

The jute fibre is 2.5 to 3 m long but ultimate fibre cell is 2.5 mm in length.

Now recent jute fibre reinforcement thermoplastic materials are used in

fenching compounds, doors, decorative articles, tiles etc.

FIBRE-MATRIX INTERPHASE.

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 Thermoplastic Composites

The interphase between the fibre & matrix can be easily identified, it is the
behaviour & prop of interphase that generally control the prop of the composite. The prop.
Of composite cannot achieved by any of the components acting alone.

The main role of interphase is to transmit & distribute stress on matrix to

the fibres & in desire orientation.

Localised stress are generally highest near the interphase which may be
locus of premature feature of composite. The interphase must have appropriate character
in order to provide necessary load transfer from matrix to reinforcements.

Hence their should be strong adhesion forces between matrix & fibre
through interphase. This can also be achieved by coupling agents.

Coupling agents are define as materials that improves the adhesion bonds of
dissimilar surfaces. Coupling agents modify the interphase region to strengthen the
organic & inorganic boundary layers by

A much positive attempt to increase the adhesion between polymer & fibre
was link them by covalent bond using coupling agents.

Ex – Titonates, Silanes.

Coupling agents

Coupling agents are defined primarily as materials that improve the

adhesive bond of dissimilar surfaces, this must involve an increase in true adhesion, but it
may also involve better wetting, rheology & other handling properties. The coupling agent
may also modify the interphase region to strengthen the organic & inorganic boundary
layers. Since unsaturated polyester resins were originally the most common organic matrix
material, and glass the primary reinforcement various unsaturated compounds of silicon &
other elements were first tested as coupling agents; only unsaturated silances &
methacrylatochrome complexes, eg. Volan, have been important commercially.

Silanes :-

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 Thermoplastic Composites

Silane coupling agents function by modifying the interface between

dissimilar phase for eg. in composites such as glass fiber-reinforced resins or mineral filled
resins & elastomers, and in adhesive, caulk & sealant applications. Their use results in
improved bonding & upgraded mechanical & electrical properties.

In general, the best coupling agents are those where the organizational
group on silicon has max. reactivity with the particular thermoplastic resin.

Chemistry of Silanes :-

Silane coupling agents can be represented by formula

“YRSiXg” where,

X = hydrolyzable group (typically alkoxy)

Y = Functional organic group (amino, epoxy, methacryloxy)

R = small aliphatic linkage -(CH,), that serves to attach the functional organic group to
silicon (Si).

Bonding of silane coupling agents to surface hydroxy groups of inorganic

components in accomplished by the SiX3 portion of the silane coupling agent, either
directly or more commonly via it’s hydrolysis product - Si(OH) 3, Subsequent reaction of
the functional organic group Y, with the organic component completes the coupling
reaction & established a covalent bond - from the organic phase through the silane
coupling agent to the inorganic phase. This type of chemical bonding accounts for the good
adhesion developed between the organic & inorganic components & the stability of the
bond under adverse, environmental conditions.

Silane modification of the organic-inorganic interface also produces

changes in other properties that may, at times, be more important than the final adhesion
cross the interphase. The interface, or interphase region, between polymer & filler involves
a complex interplay of physical & chemical factors related to composite performance. The
total coupling mechanism involves all of these inter-related areas.

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Under ideal conditions a treated filler wets out & disperses readily in the
plastic with minimum viscosity. The treatment protects the filler against abrasion &
cleavage during mixing & in the final composite.

Titonates :-

Coupling agents are molecular bridges at the interface between two

dissimilar substrates, usually but not limited to an inorganic filler and an organic polymer
matrix. Titanium derived coupling agents ones with free protons at the inorganic interface,
resulting in the formation of organic monomolecular layers on the inorganic surface.
Typically, titanate - treated inorganics are hydrophobic, organophilic, and organic
functional & therefore exhibit enhanced dispersibility & bond with the polymer or organic
phase. When used in filled polymers, they improve impact strength, exhibit melt viscosity
lower than that of virgin polymers at inorganic loading above 50% & enhance mechanical
properties during aging.

Chemistry of Titonates :-

Reactivity is possible with diverse substrates such as CaCO3, BaSO4, carbon

black, ceramics, phthalo & lake pigments, cellulosics, peroxides & aramid & carbon fibres
as well as with mineral & metal oxides derived inorganic chemical compounds.
Tetrafunctional compounds based on organometallic titanium (Ti) or Ziroconium (Zr) &
Silicon (Si) make useful coupling agents because the central atom’s tetravalency is
conductive to electron sharing. Each generic type has inherent natural limitations eg. when
coupling to metal substrate (M) the hydrolytic stability & strength of the Ti-O-M bond is
superior to the Si-O-M bond. However, when coupling to silica, the extra strength of Zr-O-
Si superior to the Si-O-M bond. However, when coupling to silica, the extra strength of Zr-
O-Si or Si-O-Si is often preferable to Ti-O-Si bond.

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 Thermoplastic Composites

ORIENTATION & COMPOSITION OF REINFORCEMENT

The mechanical strength of reinforce plastic component is largely
dependent on amount arrangement & type of reinforcement fibre in resin matrix.

a. Unidirectional orientation.

All fibres are arranged in one direction for a lamina containing

unidirectional orientation, the composite material has highest strength & modulus in
longitedinal direction. However in transverse direction its strength & modulus are very
low. Application found in fishing rods.

Ladders, hockey sticks etc.

b. Bidirectional Orientation.

In this type fibres are arranged in two directions usually normal to each
other for a lamina containing bidirectional orientation the strength & modulus can be
varied by employing different amount as well as different types of fibre in longitudinal &
transverse direction. For a balanced lamina, these properties are the same in both
directions.

Application in boat, swimming pull etc.

c. Multidirection or Randomly directed orientation

In this type of orientation, fibres are generally distributed randomly in all

direction. Thus in this type of orientation strength & modulus are equal in all direction.

Application machine housing & Helmets.

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 Thermoplastic Composites

Composition

The amount of reinforcement that can be used is related to the orientation of

the reinforcements & percentage loading of reinforcements.

In unidirectional orientation case the % of the reinforcement with resin is

25% & reinforcement is 75%.

In bidirection 50% resin & 50% reinforcement & in case of randomly

directed reinforcement 25% & 75% resin.

SHORT FIBRE

LONG FIBRE

FABRIC

LAMINATED

PROCESSING.
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 Thermoplastic Composites

Two techniques are generally used in manufacturing of thermoplastic composite they are

Open moulding

Close moulding

Difference between the open & close mould are as follows

OPEN MOULDING CLOSE MOULDING

1. Use only one male or female die. 1. Use both male & female die.

2. Surface finish is obtained on one 2. Surface finish is obtained on both sides.

side only.

3. No pressure is required. 3. High pressure is required.

4. Low mould cost. 4. High mould cost.

5. Usually thermosetting materials 5. Usually thermoplastic materials are used.

are used.

Two process technique are given for the processing of thermoplastics materials are as
follows.

INJECTION MOULDING PROCESS

In making fibre glass reinforcements thermoplastic pellets materials,
continuous glass rovings is first sized to increase inter facial adhesion between glass &
resin.

The glass fibre are impregnated & coated with thermoplastic resin & finally
chopped into pellets containing 20 to 30% wt fibre glass. The fibre glass in the pellets can
be obtained in 1/8 length to 3/8 in length.

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 Thermoplastic Composites

Injection Moulding Thermoplastic Composite Material

STEPS IN INJECTION MOULDING MACHINE.

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 Thermoplastic Composites

1. MOULD CLOSED.

2. INTRODUCTION OF PELLET IN MACHINE.

3. PLASTICISATION – in which the screw starts its backward rotation will material is
conveyed in forward direction & plasticization of pellets takes place due to shear heat &
band heaters.

4. INJECTION - After plasticization screw stops it backward motion & acts as plunger &
force material in forward direction in mold.

5. COOLING - Proper cooling is applied to materials.

6.EJECTION – After cooling material is ejected.

Precautions –

1. Due to hard nature of a fibres the modification in injection molding machine should be
done to avoid the damage of machine parts. Generally hard carbon steel or nitriding screw
& barrel are used.

2. Nozzle opening should be increase.

3. If multicavity is used runner should be large inoff.

Advantages –

1. Complicated shape are possible.

2. Surface finish is good.

Disadvantage –

It is difficult to predict the orientation of fibres.

ROTATIONAL MOULDING
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 Thermoplastic Composites

Thermoplastic composite can also be processed by Roto moulding.

In rotomoulding product is formed by from liquid or powder thermoplastic

resin with fibre reinforcement inside closed mold or cavity. While mold is rotating
biaxially in heating chamber.

Rotational Moulding Machine

STEPS IN ROTOMOULDING

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 Thermoplastic Composites

1. LOADING OR INTRODUCTION OF MATERIALS IN CAVITY

Plastic materials in plastisols or organosols or in powder form with fibre reinforcement is

introduced in mold.

2. MOLDING OR CURING -

The plastic material in mould is cured by the heat. Which is transfer from heating chamber
by conduction. While the mold is rotating biaxially in heating chamber.

3. COOLING -

Proper cooling is applied to cure the materials.

4.EJECTION -

Finally finished product is ejected.

Advantages –

Surface finish obtained is good.

Disadvantages

It is impossible to predict the orientation of fibre reinforcement.

This table Illustrates the increase in properties of thermoplastic materials when fiber
glass is added.

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 Thermoplastic Composites

Plastic Specific Mold Tensile Flexural Deflection Thermal

Gravity Shrinkage Strength Moulus Temp. Expansion
ASTM 
In/In 103 PSI 106 PSI 264 PSI 10-5 In/In
D792
D995 D638 D790 ( F) D648 (oF) D638
o

ABS  1.05 .006 6.0 .32 195 5.3

30%Glass  1.28 .001 14.5 1.10 220 1.6
ACETAL  1.42 .020 8.8 .40 230 4.5
30%Glass  1.63 .003 19.5 1.40 325 2.2
Nylon 6  1.14 .016 11.8 .40 167 4.6
30%Glass  1.37 .004 23.0 1.20 420 1.7
Nylon 6/6  1.14 .018 11.6 .41 170 4.5
30%Glass  1.37 .004 26.0 1.30 490 1.8
PPO  1.06 .005 9.5 .36 265 3.3
30%Glass  1.27 .002 21.0 1.30 310 1.4
Polycarbonate  1.20 .006 9.0 .33 265 3.7
30%Glass  1.43 .001 18.5 1.20 300 1.3
Polyester T.P.  1.31 .020 8.5 .34 130 5.3
30%Glass  1.52 .003 19.5 1.40 430 1.2
PolyethyleneH.D. 0.95 .020 2.6 .20 120 6.0
30%Glass  1.17 .003 10.0 .90 260 2.7
Polypropylene  0.91 .018 4.9 .18 135 4.0
30%Glass  1.13 .004 9.8 .80 295 2.0
Polystryene  1.07 .004 7.0 .45 10 3.6
30%Glass  1.28 .001 13.5 1.30 215 1.9
Polysulfone  1.24 .007 10.0 .40 340 3.1
30%Glass  1.45 .003 18.0 1.20 365 1.4
SAN  1.08 .005 9.8 .50 200 3.4
30%Glass  1.31 .001 17.4 1.50 215 1.8

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 Thermoplastic Composites

Typical properties of Reinforcing fibres and some materials with which they compete

Fibre Specific Ultimate Tensile Specific Specific

Gravity Tensile Modulus Tensile modulus
Strength (GPa) strength (GPa)
(GPa) (GPa)
A-glass 2.45 3.1 72 1.26 29
E-glass 2.56 3.6 76 1.40 29
R-glass 2.58 4.4 85 1.70 33
S-glass 2.49 4.5 86 1.80 34
Type I, carbon fibre, high 1.87 2.1 330 1.12 176
modulus
Type II, carbon fibre, high 1.76 2.6 235 1.48 133
tensile strength
Type III, carbon fibre 1.82 2.3 200 1.26 110
Aramid Fibre, Kevlar 29 1.44 2.76 58 1.92 40
Aramid Fibre, Kevlar 29 1.45 2.94 130 2.03 90
Asbestos 2.5 0.7-1.4 135-170 0.28-0.56 54-68
Cotton 1.6 0.3-0.7 0.19-0.44 -
Sisal 1.3 0.8 0.61 -
Aluminium (bulk) 2.8 0.5 75 0.18 27
Steel 7.8 1.0 200 0.13 26
Titanium DTD 5173 4.5 0.96 110 0.21 25
Boron 2.62 3.4 344 1.30 130
Beryllium (Bulk) 1.82 1.03 310 0.57 170

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 Thermoplastic Composites

APPLICATIONS.
1. THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE ROOF LIGHT, DOMES & SHEET.

These are used in construction of domes of hemispherical, pyramid cal or of

any shape are used in houses, offices shopping complexes etc. These are light in wt.&
requires very light frame works. These allow sun light to pass through it but shield protect
the interior from dust, rain etc.

2. STORAGE TANKS.

Storage tanks are used for house hold, factory & offices. These are light wt.
Leak proof, corrosion resistance oxygenic & strong & durable. These are easy to clean &
install.

3. SANITARY WARE

This are used in bath tub wash basin, shower & shower stalls are widely
use now a days. These have great advantage over ceramics like light in wt., unbreakable,
having minimum joints, easy to clean & mainly available in many attractive colours.

4. DOORS & WINDOWS

This are used in window pannel doors. They provide excellent water
roofing. They are light in wt.strong & available in many colour. ( pultrusion or continuous
laminating technique ).

5. READY TO ASSEMBLE CABINS

Due to adequate thermal insulation this are used in temporary shelters.

6. FLOORING

This are used as flooring or tiles.

7. IN PUBLIC SEATING SYSTEMS.

The chairs & benches are used for outdoor uses. This can also be made fire retardants.

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 Thermoplastic Composites

APPLICATION OF THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITES

Knee brace molded from polyphenylene sulfide

composite

Housing for power blower is moulded form reinforceed

Nylon 6 Resin .

Ball valve lined with glass fibre ETFE

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 Thermoplastic Composites

APPLICATION OF THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITES

Jallar and Mural made of Jute-Thermoplastic Composite

Garden Fences and Street Lamps made of Jute- Thermoplastic Composite

Planter made of Jute- Thermoplastic Composite

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 Thermoplastic Composites

CONCLUSION
The tensile strength of thermoplastic can be at least double by the addition
of glass reinforcement. Unlike thermosetting reinforced plastic, fiberglass reinforce
thermoplastic compound & can be pelleted & used in conventional molding equipments.
Reinforced thermoplastic produce increase in strength & rigidity & marked decrease in co-
efficient of thermal expansion. The most significant effect in thermoplastic is retention of
izod impact strength at very low temp. Deflection temp is improved most markedly in
nylon. Other beneficial effects may include increase in hardness & abrasion resistance &
decrease in mold shrinkage, creep & dimensional change with humidity.

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 Thermoplastic Composites

BIBLIOGRAPHY
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