ABSTRACT
Polymeric matrix composites (PMC) are fiber-reinforced polymers in which either a thermoset or a thermoplastic polymer is used as the matrix. The development of PMC for structural applications started in the 1950s, and they are by far the most common fiber-reinforced composite materials used today. Table I shows the shipment of PMC in the United States for a period of 10 years and their markets. While there have been some shifts in the utilization of PMC in various industries, the overall growth of PMC is 37.2% from 1985 to 1994.
