Advanced Polymer Composite Materials: Fabrication Techniques, Mechanics and Diverse Applications

Abstract

Advanced polymer composite materials have attracted significant attention across a broad range of industries, such as aerospace and automotive, electronics, biomedical fields, and construction, due to their superior mechanical properties, thermal stability, and lightweight nature. These materials are prepared by combining polymer with reinforcing agents such as fibers, nanoparticles, or fillers, which increase properties like tensile strength, durability, and stretchability. Fabrication techniques of polymer composites, ranging from traditional methods such as injection molding and extrusion to modern techniques like additive manufacturing, help to have precise control over material properties to enhance the performance of nanomaterials like carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, and graphene. The mechanical performance of polymer composites, such as tensile strength, stiffness, and fatigue resistance, is closely related to the type of reinforcement, polymer, and processing technique. For future research and more development of polymer composites, sustainability, recyclability, and large-scale production are the remaining critical challenges.