Textile reinforcement forms (preforms) play an important role in determining the properties of the final composite and product. The preform formation process provides precise control of the fiber architecture and orientation using a suitable textile manufacturing technique. While the techniques employed for preparing glass and carbon preforms are well-known, there is still a gap in understanding on how to prepare natural preforms for composite reinforcements. Multiscale Textile Preforms and Structures for Natural Fiber Composites will bridge this gap by presenting unified knowledge on the relevant preform preparation techniques and resulting fiber architectures. Emphasis is on the structural parameters of each preform and their effect on the final composite properties. This book assembles information and knowledge on natural fiber reinforcement forms, including conventional forms, such as spun yarn, woven, knitted, nonwoven, braided, and comingled. These are illustrated and classified into one-, two-, and three-dimensional reinforcements. This book also includes information on nonconventional preform formation techniques such as unidirectional tapes, pre-impregnated preforms, spread tows, and tailored fiber placement. - Covers all relevant textile processing technology for natural fiber preforms - Provides academic researchers with a better understanding of recent practices in preparing textile reinforcements for natural fiber composites - Helps practitioners determine how to use natural fiber reinforcements in producing new sustainable and innovative composites

This book presents the state-of-the-art in multiscale modeling and simulation techniques for composite materials and structures. It focuses on the structural and functional properties of engineering composites and the sustainable high performance of components and structures. The multiscale techniques can be also applied to nanocomposites which are important application areas in nanotechnology. There are few books available on this topic.

Non-crimp fabric (NCF) composites are reinforced with mats of straight (non-crimped) fibres, giving them such advantages as strength, ease of handling and low manufacturing costs. Non-crimp fabric composites provides a comprehensive review of the use of NCF composites, their manufacture and applications in engineering.Part one covers the manufacture of non-crimp fabrics, including also topics such as structural stitching and automated defect analysis. Part two goes on to discuss the manufacture of non-crimp fabric composites, with chapters covering such topics as deformability and permeability of NCF. Part three focuses on the properties of NCF composites, with chapters on stiffness and strength, damage progression and fatigue. Finally, part four covers the applications of NCF composites, including chapters on the aerospace and automotive industries as well as wind turbines and helicopter applications. The book concludes with a discussion of cost analysis of NCF composites in engineering applications.With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, Non-crimp fabric composites is an essential reference for composite manufacturers and structural and mechanical engineers in industries using NCF composites, as well as academics with a research interest in the field. - Provides a comprehensive review of the use of NCF composites, their manufacture and applications in engineering - Reviews the manufacture of non-crimp fabrics, including also topics such as structural stitching and automated defect analysis - Examines the properties of NCF composites considering stiffness and strength, damage progression and fatigue

This work is presented as an analytical methodology developed to study the thermo-elastic behavior of woven fabric composites. Also, experimental studies on the failure behavior of woven fabric composites are presented.

This book brings value to anyone working with or designing natural fiber composite structures. It helps readers understand the value these materials can add to projects, how to choose the best materials and treatments, how to safely design and fabricate products made of natural fiber composites, and how to test them for safety. It covers the characterization of natural fibers, matrices and respective composites, and how to enhance their performance and processing as well as testing and degradation issues.

This book extensively reviews Polypropylene (PP), the second most widely produced thermoplastic material, having been produced for over 60 years. Its synthesis, processing and application are still accompanied by vigorous R&D developments because the properties of PP are at the borderline between those of commodity and engineering thermoplastics. Readers are introduced to various tacticities and polymorphs of PP, and their effects on structural properties. Further, the book addresses the control of optical properties using nucleants, provides strategies for overcoming the limited cold/impact resistance of PP, examines in detail the effects of recycling, and presents guidelines for the property modification of PPs through foaming, filling and reinforcing with respect to target applications. Special attention is paid to descriptions and models of properties as a function of morphological variables. Last but not least, the book suggests potential practical applications of PP-based systems, especially in the packaging, appliances, building/construction, textile and automotive sectors. Each chapter, written by internationally respected scientists, reflects the current state-of-art in the respective field and offers a vital source of information for students, researchers and engineers interested in the morphology, properties, testing and modeling of PP and PP-based systems. The content is indispensable to the appropriate application of PPs and related composites.

Braiding is the process of interlacing three or more threads or yarns in a diagonal direction to the product axis in order to obtain thicker, wider or stronger textiles or, in the case of overbraiding, in order to cover a profile. Braids are becoming the reinforcement of choice in composite manufacturing, and have found a range of technical applications in fields including medicine, candles, transport and aerospace. Building on the information provided in Prof. Kyosev's previous book, Braiding Technology for Textiles, this important title covers advanced technologies and new developments for the manufacture, applications and modelling of braided products. Part One covers the braiding of three-dimensional profiles, and includes a detailed overview of three-dimensional braiding technologies as well as chapters devoted to specific kinds of 3D braiding. Part Two addresses specialist braiding techniques and applications, and includes chapters reviewing the use of braids for medical textiles and candles. Part Three focuses on braiding techniques for ropes and Part Four reviews braiding for composites. The final part of the book considers modelling and simulation, and covers topics including overbraiding simulation, Finite Element Method (FEM) modelling and geometrical modelling. - Covers advanced braiding techniques, technical applications, and modelling and simulation of braided textiles. - Focused on the needs of the textile industry by offering suitable breadth and depth of coverage of a range of braiding manufacturing technology, applications and modelling techniques in a single volume. - Written by an eminent team of authors, composed of leading scientists and developers in the field who have a wealth of relevant, first-hand experience in braiding, and edited by a high-profile editor who is an expert in his field.