The Role of the Polymeric Matrix in the Processing and Structural Properties of Composite Materials, 1983

The state of development of composite materials is quite unique in the scientific world with simultaneous advances being made both in their usage and basic understanding. The complexity and high technology required in manufacturing structural parts with these materials as well as the need for fundamental description of their processing and property characteristics necessitates a close col­ laboration between industrial and academic researchers. This col­ laboration has become significant not only in solving specific tech­ nical problems, but in providing a much needed supply of scientists with training and background focused on anticipated demand for further advances in composite usage. The fact that the transportation industry with its current international character has a vital interest in composite materials for weight savings applications has provided a strong incentive for extending these developments beyond national boundaries. An excel­ lent example of an established international venture is the building of the new generation commercial aircraft by the Boeing Company with composite parts manufactured by Aerita1ia in Italy. Accordingly, we organized a Joint U. S. -Italy Symposium on Composite Materials in Italy which was successfully held on June 15-19, 1981, under the primary sponsorship of NSF in the U. S. A. and CNR in Italy. The strong support we also received from industrial co-sponsors, both from Italy and the U. S. A. , as well as our respective academic insti­ tutions gave us confidence that we were addressing a timely and important area in Science and Engineering with a unique concept.

Introductory Remarks.- The Role of the Matrix in Fibrous Composite Structures.- Composites in Commercial Aircraft.- Current Material Research Needs in Aircraft Structures.- Chemical and Environmental Effects.- Characterization of the Matrix Glass Transition in Carbon-Epoxy Laminates Using the CSD Test Geometry.- Network Structure Description and Analysis of Amine-Cured Epoxy Matrices.- The Time-Temperature-Transformation (TTT) State Diagram and Cure.- Control of Composite Cure Processes.- A Study of the Thermo-Oxidative Process and Stability of Graphite and Glass/PMR Polyimide Composites.- Rubber Modified Matrices.- A Preliminary Study of Composite Reaction Injection Molding.- Characterization of High Performance Composite Matrices.- Environmental Aging of Epoxy Composites.- Factors Affecting the Development of New Matrix Resins for Advanced Composites.- A Stress Transfer Model for the Deformation and Failure of Polymeric Matrices under Swelling Conditions.- Short Fiber Reinforcement Effects.- Constitutive Relationships for Sheet Molding Materials.- Effects of Matrix Characteristics in the Processing of Short Fiber Composites.- Time Dependent Properties of Injection Moulded Composites.- Viscoelastic Properties of Particulate Reinforced Matrices.- On Feasibility of Accelerated Creep Measurements in Some Polymeric Materials.- Fatigue Crack Propagation in Short-Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Nylon 66: Effect of Frequency.- Creep and Fracture Initiation in Fiber Reinforced Plastics.- Effect of Fiber Aspect Ratio on Ultimate Properties of Short-Fiber Composites.- An Optical Technique for Measuring Fiber Orientation in Short Fiber Composites.- Low Cost Energy Storage Flywheels from Structural Sheet Molding Compound.- Reinforced Polyester Structural Foam.- Dimensional Stability of Reinforced Matrices.- Interfacial Effects.- Definition of Interphase in Composites.- In Situ Analysis of the Interface.- Internal Stresses in Fibre Reinforced Plastics.- Stress and Strength Analysis in and Around Composite Inclusions in Polymer Matrices.- Continuous Fiber Reinforcements and Design.- Design of Continuous Fiber Composite Structures.- Compression Fatigue Behavior of Notched Composite Laminates.- Consideration on the Fatigue Damage of Specimens Used for Composite Critical Component’s Qualification.- Unresolved Stress Analysis Problems in Kevlar Composite Pressure Vessels.- Delamination in Graphite-Epoxy.- Industry-Academia and International Collaborative Research Efforts.- Finalized Researches on Polymeric Materials: Sub-project on Polymeric Materials of the Fine and Secondary Chemistry Research Program of the Italian National Research Council.- Industry-University Cooperation in Research.- Author Index.- Participants.