Course detail

Composites and Their Technologies I

FCH-BC_KOMAcad. year: 2022/2023

This course is an introduction into the field of design and engineering of polymer composites including the technologies to produce composites as semi-finished goods or articles made of composites. The main thrust of this course is to provide understanding of the role of structure and chemistry of the individual components and processing parameters of various types of small and large volume composite manufacturing technologies in determining the properties of resulting composites. Specifics of the various technologies is also discussed along with their limiting factors.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Ing. Petr Poláček, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Materials Science (ÚCHM)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Knowledge of composite properties and structure.
Resins and fiber reinforcements overview, knowledge of properties.
Composite manufacturing technologies overview.
Knowledge of composite mechanics, testing and standardization.
Composite applications overview.

Prerequisites

macromolecular chemistry, mechanics and fracture of materials

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course uses teaching methods in form of: Lecture - 2 teaching hours per week. The e-learning system (LMS Moodle) is available to teachers and students.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

oral exam - 40 minutes (four questions according themes), project (literature review of chosen composite structure and presentation)

Course curriculum

1. Fiber reinforced composites (FRCs) – introduction (-definition of composite, -history, -natural structural materials)
2. Introduction into the structure of FRCs (-composition, -composite classes, -applications)
3. Fiber reinforcements (-glass, carbon, aramid, ceramic, basalt, UHMW-PE fibers, -whiskers, -natural fibers, -surface treatment, -roving, -yarn, -short fibers, -non-woven fabrics, -woven fabrics, -knitted fabrics, -3D reinforcements)
4. Resins/matrices (-unsaturated polyester, vinylester, epoxy, phenolic, cyanate ester, bismaleimide, polyimide resins, -manufacturing, -curing)
5. FRCs manufacturing (-hand laminating, -spray-up molding, -vacuum/double vacuum bagging, -autoclave processing, -compression molding, -RTM, -SMC, -BMC, -pre-preg, -pultrusion, -filament winding, -centrifugal casting, ATL/AFP, sandwich composite)
6. Introduction into the structure of particulate-filled polymer composites/PFCs (-effect of filler adding on composite properties)
7. Particulate fillers (-types and properties, -fillers: calcium carbonate, kaolin, talc, mica, fumed silica, black carbon, -fire retardants)
8. Introduction into the polymer nanocomposites (-reinforcing mechanism, -nanocomposite preparations, -nanofillers: nano-clay, CNT, graphene, POSS)
9. PFCs manufacturing (-kneading, -extrusion, -calendering, -injection molding)
10. Micromechanics of PFCs (-Kerner-Nielsen and Halpin-Tsai models)
11. Introduction into the mechanical analysis of a lamina (-symmetry of properties, -definition of lamina and laminate, -volume and mass fractions, -rule of mixtures, -Hooke’s law)
12. Composite materials testing (-mechanical characterization, -flammability testing, -weathering, -non-destructive testing, -FEA, -standards, -damage and its effects)

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

Knowledge of properties, structure, composition, manufacturing technologies, mechanics and testing of composite materials.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

none

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

J. Jančář, "Úvod do materiálového inženýrství kompozitů", skripta FCh VUT, 2003 (CS)

Type of course unit

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Petr Poláček, Ph.D.