The eleven contributions comprising the first volume address topics that include the history of composites, epoxy resins, fiber reinforced glasses and glass ceramics for high performance applications, aramid fiber reinforcements (specifically, Vniivlon/Polyamidobenzimidazole--the USSR's aramid fiber-forming polymer). Volume two (565-4) has nine articles on, among other subjects, environmental effects, prediction of failure strength of anisotropic materials, properties characterization, creep. No index in either book. Acidic paper. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

The papers contained herein were presented at the Sixth International Conference on Composite Structures (ICCS/6) held at Paisley College, Scotland in September 1991. The Conference was organised and sponsored by Paisley College. It was co-sponsored by Scottish Enterprise, the National Engineering Laboratory, the US Army Research, Development and Standardisation Group-UK, Strathclyde Regional Council and Renfrew District Council. It forms a natural and ongoing progression from the highly successful ICCS/1/2/3/4 and 5 held at Paisley in 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987 and 1989 respectively. As we enter the final decade of this century many organisations throughout the world are adopting a prophetic role by attempting to forecast future scientific advances and their associated impact on mankind. Although some would argue that to do so is folly, without such futuristic visionaries the world would be that much poorer. IntelJigent speculation based on research trends and historical advances, rather than fanciful theories, breathes a healthy air of enthusiasm into the scientific community. Surely this is the very oxygen necessary to ignite the fir~s of innovation and invention amongst pioneers of research.

The ingenuity and visibility of NASA space programs, such as the max launch abort system (MLAs), are sparking the creativity, knowledge transfer, and unique applications of revolutionary technologies in areas such as aerospace, wind energy, transportation, oil, safety, and civil infrastructure. Lightweight, high-strength, carbon-fiber composites materials, vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding, smart sensors, out-of-autoclave curing of autoclave composites, unified structures, structural health monitoring systems, smart phone/RFID tracking, determinant assembly, forensic engineering, and the digital tapestry that ties everything together are just a few of the technological advances perfected in NASA’s programs. Successful composites technology transfer takes the discussion of these technologies to the next level — addressing the advantages and challenges to their more widespread industrial application. Readers will get insight into how high-strength, carbon-fiber composites and its related technologies are making inroads into products such as commercial airplane seats and carts, turbine blades, firefighting equipment, trucks, buses, lifting and support devices, and containers. The author shares breakthrough thinking on other potential applications, such as a new lighter than air ship, prototype vehicles, driver health and safety, firefighter safety, and bridge infrastructure safety and health monitoring. According to Foreword author, Tim Shinbara, vice president of manufacturing technology at AMT (Association for Manufacturing Technology), “...it is of considerable value to search out, discover, and digest resources such as this book in an effort to continually improve the lens by which we innovate.” Aside from new product innovations, extension of the manufacturing technologies, and processes described herein have the potential to not only add new functionality or modify the existing functionality of existing products and systems, but in many cases, adoption would require minimal effort from the manufacturing enterprise.

Carbon and glass fibre reinforced composite materials have been used for many years in several different types of applications. However, these conventional composites are derived from non-renewable reinforcements and they pose a significant threat to the environment. Government legislation and consumer behaviour have recently forced many industries to adapt sustainable composites. Industries such as automotive, marine and aerospace are now seeking sustainable lightweight composites with the aim to reduce the overall weight of the components with enhanced materials and design aspects. Therefore, there is high demand on research for the development of sustainable lightweight composites. This book presents a comprehensive review of lightweight composites with the central aim to increase their use in key industrial sectors such as automotive, marine and aerospace. There is no such book currently available that is dedicated to sustainable lightweight applications covering important topics such as key drivers for lightweight composites, mechanical properties, damage characterisation, durability and environmental aspects. Key topics that are addressed include: - The roles of reinforcements and matrices in composite materials - Sustainable natural fibre reinforcements and their morphological structures - Lightweight applications and properties requirements - Design, manufacturing processes and their effects on properties - Testing and damage characterisation of composite materials - Sustainable composites and techniques for property enhancement - Future trends and challenges for sustainable composites in lightweight applications It will be a valuable reference resource for those working in material Science, polymer science, materials engineering, and industries involved in the manufacture of automotive and aerospace components from lightweight composite materials. - Provides a comprehensive review of sustainable lightweight composites looking at key industrial applications such as automotive, marine, and aerospace and construction - Important relationships between structure and properties are analysed in detail - Enhancement of properties through hybrid systems, are also explored with emphasis on design, materials selection and manufacturing techniques