ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with traditional "long-fiber" composites. Composites are generally composed of two phases—the continuous or matrix phase that surrounds the discontinuous or dispersed phase. Structural composites can be combinations of homogeneous and composite materials. Laminar composites are composed of two-dimensional sheets that generally have a preferred high-strength direction. Fiber-reinforced composites contain strong fibers embedded in a continuous phase. They form the basis of many of the advanced and space-age products. Typical fibers are fibrous glass, carbon-based, aromatic nylons, and polyolefins. Typical resins are polyimides, polyesters, epoxys, phenol-formaldehyde, and many synthetic polymers. The chapter talks about the fillers which are relatively inert materials that usually add bulk but when well chosen, they can enhance the physical and chemical properties. Many natural and synthetic materials are used as fillers today. These include polysaccharides (cellulosics), lignin, carbon-based materials, glass, and other inorganic materials.
