ABSTRACT
Thermoplastic composites are widely in used in many industrial applications by replacing the metal components due to their lighter weight, quicker production time, longer shelf life and easier shipping. By the application of composite materials, the weight reduction of 40% to 70% weight/mass of the product can be achieved. This is a major requirement in lightweight vehicle, aerospace, marine and other industries. The use of towpreg composites is advantageous due to their easy fibre placement by robotic systems for developing complex shaped, high performance composite structures. The demonstration structures for commercial and military aircrafts such as elevators, motor castings, tail sections (Airbus) etc. are analysed in this chapter. The composite materials such as carbon/epoxy, carbon fibre/phenolic, carbon-carbon composites and other materials used for developing the motor cases; nozzles of exit cones and throat elements have been reported. Moreover, fatigue and other mechanical properties of thermoplastic composites are also compared with metals. The glass towpreg and carbon towpreg-based thermoplastic composites for transportation vehicle parts such as bumper beams, engine covers, etc. are reported. The application of 3D textile-reinforced composites in automotive vehicles such as floor beams in trains and fast ferries, crash members in cars, etc. are also reported. The 3D composite reinforced with glass-based spacer especially are analysed. Similarly, the composites in medical and marine applications are reported. Fibre reinforced polymeric (FRP) materials used in civil engineering applications are discussed in this chapter as these materials could produce low density and complex-shaped components with low cost. The performance of sporting goods could be tailored by incorporating composite materials. The composite materials used in sporting goods such as golf, tennis, and bicycle racing have shown better performance and hence those products are reported in detail. The composites used in electromagnetic shielding applications and future scope of the composite materials are discussed.
