The matrix material surrounds and supports the reinforcement materials by maintaining their relative positions. The matrix binds the fiber reinforcement, gives the composite component its shape and determines its surface quality. A composite matrix may be a polymer, ceramic, metal or carbon. The matrix material largely determines the processing method.

1. Material matrices
Polymer Matrix Composite (PMC)

2. Matrix material
The matrix material surrounds and supports the
reinforcement materials by maintaining their
relative positions.
The matrix binds the fiber reinforcement, gives the
composite component its shape and determines
its surface quality. A composite matrix may be a
polymer, ceramic, metal or carbon.
The matrix material largely determines
the processing method.

3. Matrices
Polymers
Matrix
composite
(PMC)
Metal
Matrix
Composite
(MMC)
Ceramic
Matrix
Composite
(CMC)

4. In 21st century we are in need of light but stronger
materials. From automobile to aerospace,
medical , military technology and even in
household we need heavy duty, corrosion
resistant material. Here comes the composites
with all those specifications. And day by day the
field of composite materials is getting stronger.
Among all the composites Polymer Matrix
Composites (PMC) have a strong place due to its
specialization.

5. Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC)
• Consisting of a polymer (resin) matrix and
fiber.
• Very popular due to their low cost and simple
fabrication methods.

6. Ceramic Matrix
Composite
(CMC)
Thermosetting Polymers
•Polyethylene
•polystyrene
•polyamides
•Nylons
•Polypropylene
Thermoplastics
• Epoxy
• Phenolic Polyamide
Resins
• Polyester

7. Thermosetting Polymers
Extensive crosslinking formed by covalent
bonds.
1. High Thermal stability.
2. High dimensional stability.
3. Low weight.
4. High rigidity.
5. Can not be recycled due to its heavy covalent
bonds.

8. COMMON EXAMPLES AND USES of
Thermoset
● Polyurethanes: Paints, coatings, insulating foams, car parts, print rollers, footwear,
sealants, adhesives.
● Epoxy resin: Aircraft components, tooling jigs and fixtures, coatings, adhesives for
automobiles, marine vessel parts, electronic components.
● Melamine formaldehyde: Adhesives, coatings, laminates, dinnerware, electrical
components, knobs, household items, construction material, furniture-making.
● Urea-formaldehyde: Plywood foam, electrical items, doorknobs, toilet items,
adhesives, chemically-inert coatings, paper, plastic molds, decorative articles.
● Polyester resins: Casting materials, non-metallic car body fillers, electrical
components, reinforced plastic sheets used in restaurants/kitchens, low-care walls,
laser printer toners, bonding materials.
● Bakelite: Precision-made parts, vehicle disc brake cylinders, knobs, plastic ware,
electrical products and insulation, plugs and sockets, automotive parts, light bulb
supports, kitchenware handle

9. Thermoplastics
No chemical linking between individual
molecules.
• Molecules are bonded by weak secondary
bonds like Van der walls bonds and hydrogen.
• Parts can be made and joined byheating.
• Can be remolded, and recycled.
• Better toughness and impact resistance than
thermosets.

10. COMMON EXAMPLES AND USES of
Thermoplastic
● Nylon (Polyamide): Mechanical and automotive parts, clothing,
packaging, cupboard hinges, heat-resistant composite manufacture.
● Polyethylene: Drums, gas tank coating, milk bottles, squeeze bottles,
jugs, movable machine parts, bullet-resistant vests, laundry
detergent containers.
● Acrylic: Battery covers, lightweight glass alternative, vehicle taillight
covers, eye lenses, as bone cement in medicine.
● Polypropylene: Toys, sanitary tissues, heat-proof medical
equipment, rope, string, plastic seats, laboratory equipment,
detergent-proof food containers, automobile components, folders.
● Polyvinyl chloride: Cabinets, fume hoods, tanks, electrical insulation,
toys, pipes, fittings, flooring, medical devices.
● Teflon: Flange spacers, gaskets, non-stick cookware, machine parts,
gears, wires, lubricant for sliding doors.

11. Forming Processes for Thermosetting
matrix composites:
• Pultrusion.
• Resin transfer molding.
• Hand layup and spray up techniques.
• Filament winding.
• Autoclave molding.

12. Forming Processes for Thermoplastic
matrix composites
• Injection molding.
• Diaphragm forming.
• Film stacking.
• Thermoplastic tape laying.

13. Pultrusion Method

14. Resin Transfer Molding

17. Advantages of PMC
• Good inplane stiffness and strength.
• Low density.
• Relatively low cost.
• Corrosion resistance.
• Low coefficient of thermal expansion.
• Relatively mature technology.
• Excellent in-service experience.

18. Limitations of PMC
• Low maximum working temperature.
• Sensitivity to radiation and moisture.
• Processing temperature are generally higher
than those with thermosets.
• Required special processing equipment.
• Thermoset resins have poor impact
resistance.