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Review
. 2022 Jul 8;15(14):4790.
doi: 10.3390/ma15144790.

A Review on Synthetic Fibers for Polymer Matrix Composites: Performance, Failure Modes and Applications

Dipen Kumar Rajak  1 , Pratiksha H Wagh  2 , Emanoil Linul  3
Affiliations
Review

A Review on Synthetic Fibers for Polymer Matrix Composites: Performance, Failure Modes and Applications

Dipen Kumar Rajak et al. Materials (Basel). .

Abstract

In the last decade, synthetic fiber, as a reinforcing specialist, has been mainly used in polymer matrix composites (PMC's) to provide lightweight materials with improved stiffness, modulus, and strength. The significant feature of PMC's is their reinforcement. The main role of the reinforcement is to withstand the load applied to the composite. However, in order to fulfill its purpose, the reinforcements must meet some basic criteria such as: being compatible with the matrix, making chemical or adhesion bonds with the matrix, having properties superior to the matrix, presenting the optimal orientation in composite and, also, having a suitable shape. The current review reveals a detailed study of the current progress of synthetic fibers in a variety of reinforced composites. The main properties, failure modes, and applications of composites based on synthetic fibers are detailed both according to the mentioned criteria and according to their types (organic or inorganic fibers). In addition, the choice of classifications, applications, and properties of synthetic fibers is largely based on their physical and mechanical characteristics, as well as on the synthesis process. Finally, some future research directions and challenges are highlighted.

Keywords: FRP composites; applications; failure modes; properties; synthetic fibers.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Classification of synthetic fibers based on organic, inorganic, and other fibers.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Primary structure of Aramid/Kevlar [33].
Figure 3
Figure 3
Branches of aramid fiber applications.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Chemical structure of polyethylene [46].
Figure 5
Figure 5
Various branches of polyethylene fiber application.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Aromatic polyester chemical structure [56].
Figure 7
Figure 7
Application related to the aromatic polyester fiber in various sectors [63,64].
Figure 8
Figure 8
Chemical structure of glass fiber [82].
Figure 9
Figure 9
Glass fiber applications in various sectors.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Various weave forms of GF (a) Plain weave (b) 4-harness satin weave—120GF (c) 8-harness satin weave—1581GF (d) 8-harness satin weave—181GF [92].
Figure 11
Figure 11
Chemical structure of carbon fiber [102].
Figure 12
Figure 12
Application of carbon fiber in various sectors [106].
Figure 13
Figure 13
Weaves of carbon fiber (a) Plain weave—3K-70-P carbon (b) 8-harness satin weave—3K-135-8H carbon (c) 5-harness satin weave—1K-50-5H carbon. Reproduced from [107].
Figure 14
Figure 14
Main applications related to boron fiber.
Figure 15
Figure 15
Chemical structure of silicon carbide fiber [132].
Figure 16
Figure 16
Image showing various applications of silicon carbide.
Figure 17
Figure 17
Delamination and cracks directions [143].
Figure 18
Figure 18
Crack opening modes: Mode I or opening/tensile-mode cracks (a), Mode II or sliding/in-plane shear (b), and Mode III or tearing/out-of-plane shear (c) [147].
Figure 19
Figure 19
Separation of adjacent layers due to weakening of interface layer between them.
Figure 20
Figure 20
Fiber pull-out and debonding.
Figure 21
Figure 21
Microcracking types.
Figure 22
Figure 22
Fiber/matrix interface.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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