Polymer Matrix Composites (PMC's)
Description:
Polymer matrix composites are extremely useful materials because they combine lightweight polymers (plastics) with materials such as graphite and boron carbide. Components are used in the design of sports equipment to stealth fighter technology.
Preparation Challenge:
The difficulty in preparing these materials arises from the wide variety of material properties between the polymer matrix and the composite material. A properly prepared specimen will reveal the orientation of the fibers in the matrix, wetting of the fibers or other filler with the resin, and any voids in the composite structure.
