COMPOSITE MATERIALS FOR OTHER APPLICATIONS We have given in Chapter 1 an idea on the diversity of the products which can be made using composite materials.'In this chapter we examine a few of these products,which form a good part in the evolution of these materials,excluding the aerospace sector presented in the previous chapter. 8.1 COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND THE MANUFACTURING OF AUTOMOBILES 8.1.1 Introduction Composite materials have been introduced progressively in automobiles,following polymer materials,a few of which have been used as matrices.It is interesting to examine the relative masses of different materials which are used in the construction of automobiles.This is shown in the graph in Figure 8.1.Even though the relative mass of polymer-based materials appears low,one needs to take into account that the specific mass of steel is about 4 times greater than that of polymers. This explains the higher percentage in terms of volume for the polymers.Among the polymers,the relative distribution can be shown as in Figure 8.2. The materials called "plastics"include those so-called "reinforced plastics"for composite pieces that do not have very high performance.The graph in Figure 8.3 gives an idea for the distribution by zone of the "plastic"pieces in an automobile and also shows the evolution in time.One can see the increasing importance of high-performance parts. 8.1.2 Evaluation and Evolution A few dates on the introduction of composite parts (fibers matrix)include: The antiques as shown in Figure 8.4 1968:wheel rims in glass/epoxy in automobile S.M.Citroen (FRA) 1970:shock absorber shield made of glass/polyester in automobile R5 Renault (FRA) TSee Section 1.3. 2003 by CRC Press LLC8 COMPOSITE MATERIALS FOR OTHER APPLICATIONS We have given in Chapter 1 an idea on the diversity of the products which can be made using composite materials.1 In this chapter we examine a few of these products, which form a good part in the evolution of these materials, excluding the aerospace sector presented in the previous chapter. 8.1 COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND THE MANUFACTURING OF AUTOMOBILES 8.1.1 Introduction Composite materials have been introduced progressively in automobiles, following polymer materials, a few of which have been used as matrices. It is interesting to examine the relative masses of different materials which are used in the construction of automobiles. This is shown in the graph in Figure 8.1. Even though the relative mass of polymer-based materials appears low, one needs to take into account that the specific mass of steel is about 4 times greater than that of polymers. This explains the higher percentage in terms of volume for the polymers. Among the polymers, the relative distribution can be shown as in Figure 8.2. The materials called “plastics” include those so-called “reinforced plastics” for composite pieces that do not have very high performance. The graph in Figure 8.3 gives an idea for the distribution by zone of the “plastic” pieces in an automobile and also shows the evolution in time. One can see the increasing importance of high-performance parts. 8.1.2 Evaluation and Evolution A few dates on the introduction of composite parts (fibers + matrix) include:
The antiques as shown in Figure 8.4
1968: wheel rims in glass/epoxy in automobile S.M.Citroen (FRA)
1970: shock absorber shield made of glass/polyester in automobile R5 Renault (FRA) 1 See Section 1.3. TX846_Frame_C08 Page 181 Monday, November 18, 2002 12:22 PM © 2003 by CRC Press LLC