Course detail

Composites and Their Technologies I

FCH-BC_KOMAcad. year: 2025/2026

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

4

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Ing. Petr Poláček, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Materials Science (ÚCHM)

Entry knowledge

macromolecular chemistry, mechanics and fracture of materials

Rules for evaluation and completion of the course

oral exam - 40 minutes (four questions according themes), project (literature review of chosen composite structure and presentation)
none

Aims

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

Study aids

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

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

Recommended reading

F.C. Cambell, "Structural Composite Materials", ASM International, 2010 (EN)
G.W. Ehrenstein, "Polymerní kompozitní materiály", Scientia, 2009 (CS)

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme BKCP_CHTM Bachelor's 3 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional
  • Programme BPCP_CHTM Bachelor's 3 year of study, winter semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

Ing. Petr Poláček, Ph.D.

Syllabus

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)