High performance synthetic fibers are key components of composite materialsâ€"a class of materials vital for U.S. military technology and for the civilian economy. This book addresses the major research and development opportunities for present and future structural composite applications and identifies steps that could be taken to accelerate the commercialization of this critical fiber technology in the United States. The book stresses the need for redesigning university curricula to reflect the interdisciplinary nature of fiber science and technology. It also urges much greater government and industry cooperation in support of academic instruction and research and development in fiber-related disciplines.

This report describes the properties of the principal classes of high-performance synthetic fibers, as well as several current and potential methods of synthesis and processing to attain desirable properties. Various promising classes of materials and methods of fiber synthesis are suggested for farther investigation. Successful fiber reinforcement of a matrix is heavily dependent on the interfact between the two components. The report emphasizes our relatively poor fundamental understanding of fiber-matrix reactions and this 'interphase' region. Research directed at improving our understanding of the properties and behavior of the boundary region is identified as a prime need if advances are to be made in fiber and composite performance. The report emphasizes the complex interdisciplinary nature of fiber science and makes strong policy recommendations for long-range continuity of fiber research and for increased support of education in fiber science. Because of the highly international scope of the commercial fiber and composites industries and the critical importance of fibers for military and space applications, the report considers the consequences of government policy affecting these industries. Attention is called to the need for improving procedures leading to governmental decisions affecting the fiber industry. The need for a policy to provide support for development and production of small quantities of specialty fibers for strategic military applications is also emphasized.

Fiber-reinforced composites are exceptionally versatile materials whose properties can be tuned to exhibit a variety of favorable properties such as high tensile strength and resistance against wear or chemical and thermal influences. Consequently, these materials are widely used in various industrial fields such as the aircraft, marine, and automobile industry. After an overview of the general structures and properties of hybrid fiber composites, the book focuses on the manufacturing and processing of these materials and their mechanical performance, including the elucidation of failure mechanisms. A comprehensive chapter on the modeling of hybrid fiber composites from micromechanical properties to macro-scale material behavior is followed by a review of applications of these materials in structural engineering, packaging, and the automotive and aerospace industries.

Synthetic and Mineral Fibers, Their Composites and Applications reviews recent advances and technological developments in this important research field. The book provides an up-to-date record of significant research findings and observations along with an update on current and future potential applications. The book provides vital information on recent advancements, modern processing technologies, manufacturing, and applications and summarizes lifecycle and performance parameters for these types of composites. This book will be a valuable reference resource for academic and industrial researchers and materials scientists and engineers working in the development of polymer composite materials reinforced with synthetic and mineral fibers for applications in aerospace, medical, defense, automotive and construction sectors. - Covers both synthetic and mineral fibers, their composites, and applications - Highlights recent advances in mineral fiber- reinforced polymer composites, modern processing methods, and functionalization - Provides updates on hybrid (combination of both synthetic and mineral fiber) composite technologies - Features applications in aerospace, medical, defense and the construction industries

This book reviews the key technologies and characteristics of the modern man-made specialty fibers mainly developed in Japan. Since the production of many low-cost man-made fibers shifted to China and other Asian countries, Japanese companies have focused on production of high-quality, high-performance super fibers as well as highly functionalized fibers so-called ‘Shin-gosen’. ZylonTM and DyneemaTM manufactured by Toyobo, TechnoraTM produced by Teijin, and VectranTM developed by Kuraray are those examples of super fibers. Carbon fibers ToraycaTM from Toray have occupied the most advanced high-performance application area. Various types of polyester fibers having design-shaped cross-sections and special fiber morphologies and those showing specific physico-chemical properties have also been developed to acquire a high-value textile market of the world. This book describes how these high-tech fibers have been developed and what aspects are the most important in each fiber based on its structure-property relationship. Famous specialists both in industry and academia are responsible for the contents, explaining the design concepts and the special technologies for the production of these special fibers. For university teachers and students, this volume is an excellent textbook that elucidates the basic concepts of modern fibers. At the same time, researchers, both in academia and industry, will find a comprehensive overview of recent man-made fibers. This publication, presenting the most easily understandable general survey of specialty man-made fibers to date, is dedicated to the 70th-anniversary of the Society of Fiber Science and Technology, Japan.

Natural and Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Composites Discover a comprehensive exploration of fiber reinforced polymers by an expert team of editors Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites offer several unique properties that make them ideal for use in a wide range of industries, from automotive and aerospace to marine, construction, and co-industrial. In Natural and Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Composites: Synthesis, Properties and Applications, a distinguished team of mechanical engineers delivers a comprehensive overview of fiber reinforced composites. This edited volume includes thorough discussions of glass-, cotton-, and carbon-fiber reinforced materials, as well as the tribological properties and non-structural applications of synthetic fiber composites. Readers will also find practical explorations of the structural evolution, mechanical features, and future possibilities of fiber, textile, and nano-cementitious materials. The physical and chemical properties of cotton fiber-based composites are explored at length, as are the extraordinary mechanical, thermal, electrical, electronic, and field emission properties of carbon nanotubes. This singular book also includes: A thorough discussion of recent advancements in natural fiber reinforced polymer composites, their implications, and the opportunities that arise as a result A comprehensive exploration of the thermal behavior of natural fiber-based composites An insightful review of the literature on sisal fiber with polymer matrices A response to the growing research gap in the existing literature regarding natural fiber-based polymer composites and solutions to address it Perfect for scientists, engineers, professors, and students working in areas involving natural and synthetic reinforced polymers and composites, Natural and Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Composites: Synthesis, Properties and Applications offers a one-of-a-kind resource to help readers understand a critical and rapidly evolving technology.

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.

Discusses the science behind the many applications of synthetic fiber material, postulating mechanisms and models of why they work as they do, and the physics and chemistry of their performance. An introduction reviews the background science, such as thermal and mechanical properties, textile properties, and dyeability. Among the other topics are clothing, carpets, non- wovens, rubber composites, high-performance fibers, thermostable and fire-resistant fibers, and specialized uses in engineering, medicine, cement reinforcement, and monofils. Intended to be a standard reference for all levels of people involved with synthetic fibers. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This important new handbook provides comprehensive coverage of how high performance fibres are designed and manufactured and covers their capabilities and applications. The high-modulus, high-tenacity (HM-HT) fibres fall naturally into three groups – polymer fibres such as aramids and polyethylene fibres; carbon fibres such as Kevlar; and inorganic fibres based on glass and ceramic fibres.The books shows how high performance fibres are being increasingly used for a wide range of applications including goetextiles and geomembranes and for construction and civil engineering projects as well as in specialist fibres within composite materials where their ability to fulfil demanding roles makes them an effective choice for the engineer and materials scientist. - Provides a comprehensive overview of how high performance fibres are designed and manufactured and covers their capabilities and applications - Explains how high performance fibres are being increasingly used for a wide range of applications, including geotextiles and geomembranes and construction and civil engineering projects