Overview

Conventional Engineering Materials -- Metals -- Plastics -- Ceramics -- Composites -- What Are Composites? -- Functions of Fibers and Matrix -- Special Features of Composites -- Drawbacks of Composites -- Composites Processing -- Composites Product Fabrication -- Composites Markets -- The Aerospace Industry -- The Automotive Industry -- The Sporting Goods Industry -- Marine Applications -- Consumer Goods -- Construction and Civil Structures -- Industrial Applications -- Barriers in Composite Markets -- Raw Materials for Part Fabrication -- Reinforcements -- Glass Fiber Manufacturing -- Carbon Fiber Manufacturing -- Aramid Fiber Manufacturing -- Matrix Materials -- Thermoset Resins -- Thermoplastic Resins -- Fabrics -- Woven Fabrics -- Noncrimp Fabrics -- Prepregs -- Thermoset Prepregs -- Thermoplastic Prepregs -- Preforms -- Molding Compound -- Sheet Molding Compound -- Thick Molding Compound (TMC) -- Bulk Molding Compound (BMC) -- Injection Moldable Compounds -- Honeycomb and Other Core Materials -- Material Selection Guidelines -- The Need for Material Selection -- Reasons for Material Selection -- Material Property Information -- Steps in the Material Selection Process -- Understanding and Determining the Requirements -- Selection of Possible Materials -- Determination of Candidate Materials -- Testing and Evaluation -- Material Selection Methods -- Cost vs. Property Analysis -- Weighted Property Comparison Method -- Expert System for Material Selection -- Product Development