A critical review of developments in characterizations of polymer matrix composites with particulate reinforcements

• Published in: Reference Module in Materials Science and Materials Engineering
• Main Authors: Islam, Aminul, Rahman, Md Zillur, Iqbal, A.K.M Parvez
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 2015
• Subjects: Characterizations; Natural waste; Particulate; Particulate composite; Polymer composite; Properties; Characterizations; Particulate; Particulate composite; Natural waste; Properties; Polymer composite
• ISBN: 9780128035818; 0128035811
• DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-323-96020-5.00056-X

Polymer composites are an essential research topic in material science. However, out of the two types of reinforcement used in polymer composites, most studies were conducted on composites with fiber-based reinforcement, with limited studies on particulate-reinforced polymer composites. Although particulate-reinforced polymer composites have lower properties than fiber-reinforced composites, better processing techniques, such as chemically treated particulates, can significantly improve their properties. In addition, industrial and household natural wastes can be used as a particulate for creating polymer composites with enhanced properties while being an eco-friendly and recycling solution to wastes and pollutants in the environment. This chapter aims to detail particulate-based polymer composites and their various characterizations (thermal, water absorption, tensile, flexural, hardness, impact, and morphology). Furthermore, prospects, challenges, and future directions of particulate composites are mentioned. Finally, this chapter completes with some concluding remarks.