A review on processing of polymer matrix composites: Challenges and opportunities

The polymer matrix composites (PMCs) are gaining popularity among automobile, aircraft and medical sector due to their promising role in manufacturing of light weight and high strength components. The wide varieties of polymers are used as matrix materials in combination with ceramics, carbon and synthetic fibers to fabricate polymer matrix composites. This paper makes an attempt to discuss the various polymeric materials used that can be used as matrix in PMCs and also focuses on their processing techniques in respect to the area of their use. The processing environment of the polymer based composites plays significant in deciding the mechanical and physical properties of the composites. The addition of certain additives like fillers, plasticizers, colorants and flame retardants during the processing can improve tensile and compressive strength, abrasion resistance and dimensional stability. Later the challenges in manufacturing of PMCs have been discussed with scope of opportunities available in the global market.