Tailoring polymer composites for critical thermal applications: a review on fibers, additives, coatings, aerogels, test methodologies

ABSTRACTThe properties of fiber-reinforced polymer composites are diminished when exposed to high temperatures. Despite high-grade fibers, additives, and fillers, the polymer matrix is thermally unstable. Numerous studies are conducted to modify thermos and thermoset polymers in order to increase their thermal stability, thermal degradability, and flammability. The thermal properties of a composite are determined by the percentages of additives, fibers, coatings, and fabrication methods. This review goes into detail about developing and testing high-temperature polymer composites, which will be useful for both beginners and experts. At high temperatures, nano-ceramic particles like graphene, diamonds, glass powders, mica powders, and corundum improve polymer thermal stability and mechanical properties. Fuel cell electrodes, ultra-capacitors, and lightning hoists may employ these composites.KEYWORDS: Flammability of polymer compositesnano-ceramic fillersnano coatingsthermal shock cyclingthermal stabilitythermogravimetric analysis Abbreviations MMC=Metal matrix compositesCMC=Ceramic matrix compositesNASA=National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationTiO2=Titanium dioxideWt.%=Weight percentageTG=ThermogravimetricC/C=Carbon/carbonPLA=Polylactic acidDSC=Differential scanning calorimetryXRD=X-Ray diffractionHHC=Human hair derived carbonSEM=Scanning electron microscopePVDF=Poly(vinylidene fluoride)HDPE=High density polyethyleneTPEE=Thermoplastic Polyester ElastomerPDMS=PolydimethylsiloxanehBN=Hexagonal Boron Nitride3D=Three dimensional4D=Four dimensionalCNT=Carbon Nano tubesBN=Boron NitridePVA=Polyvinyl AlcoholTMCS=TrimethylchlorosilaneHMDS=HexamethyldisilanePVOH=Polyvinyl AlcoholRMI=Reactive melt infiltrationGNP=Graphene Nano plateletsSiO2=Silicon DioxideMgO=Magnesium oxideAL2O3=Aluminium oxideCuO=Cupric oxideTaC=Tantalum carbideHfB2=Hafnium diborideZrB2=Zirconium diborideMWCNT=Multi walled carbon Nano tubesSiCnws=Silicon carbide Nano wiresVARIM=Vacuum assisted resin infusion moldingCFRP=Carbon fiber reinforced polymersBNO=Hydroxylated hexagonal boron nitridePVC=Polyvinyl ChloridePBS=Polybutylene succinateTPU=Thermoplastic PolyurethanePA6=Polyamide 6SWNT=Single-Wall Carbon NanotubesZIF-8=Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8Sb2O3=Antimony trioxideIFR-Na-REC=Intumescent fire retardant sodium modified rectoritePh-LDH=Phytic acid modified layered double hydroxideGFRP=Glass fiber reinforced polymerEMI=Electromagnetic interferenceUiO-66=Universitetet i OsloPMMA=Polymethyl methacrylateMOF=Metal organic frameworkLaB6=Lanthanum hexaborideTaSi2=Tantalum silicideHfC=Hafnium carbidePy – PBI=Pyridine functionalized polybenzimidazoleSiCN=Silicon carbon nitrideAcknowledgmentsThe authors are thankful to the management of Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore for providing Seed grant (SG20230112) to carry out this research work. The authors would like to thank the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia for the financial support through the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme FGRS/1/2019/STG07/UPM/02/2, grant number 5540320, as well as Department of Aerospace Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia and Laboratory of Bio-composite Technology, Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Product (INTROP), Universiti Putra Malaysia (HICOE) for the close collaboration in this research.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationNotes on contributorsG. Sakthi BalanMr. G.Sakthi Balan is currently a research scholar at Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India. He received his M.E., in the field of Manufacturing Engineering from MIET Engineering College, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India which is affiliated to Anna University, Chennai. He has teaching experience of around 5 years. His current area of research interest includes the design and development of functionally graded materials, Eco-friendly green composites, Degradation analysis on polymers, Implementation of polymer composites for defense applications, Structural deformation studies on bio-inspired structures, Compatibility studies of various polymers and matrices. He has published around 24 research articles and also participated in national and international conferences conducted by reputed institutions.S. Aravind RajDr. S .Aravind Raj is an Associate Professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Vellore Institute of Technology University, India. His research area is focused on additive manufacturing processes and their applications in manufacturing industries, biomimetic structures, industrial systems engineering, and Industry 4.0 projects. He has published 32 international journals papers in leading SCI/ SCOPUS indexed journals and 34 papers in reputed conference proceedings; he is the co-author for eight book chapters and has edited four books.Farah Syazwani ShaharDr. Farah Syazwani Shahar is a young researcher currently working as a post-doctoral scholar at the Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia. She received her PhD (Material Engineering) and Master of Science (Innovation and Engineering Design) from Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2022 and 2018, respectively. She also received her Bachelor’s degree (Biomedical Electronic Engineering) from Universiti Malaysia Perlis in 2016. Her academic background has helped hone her skills and knowledge in multi-disciplinary research. Her current research mainly focuses on biomaterials, composite materials, structure design, and damage analysis.Mohamed Thariq Hameed SultanMohamed Thariq Hameed Sultan, known as M.T.H. Sultan, is an accomplished professional with titles including Professional Engineer (PEng), Professional Technologist (PTech), and Chartered Engineer (CEng). He serves as UPM Press Director at Universiti Putra Malaysia, formerly leading the Biocomposite Technology Lab. Holding a Ph.D. from the University of Sheffield, he has excelled in a diverse 18-year career in teaching and research.Expertise ranges from Hybrid Composites to Structural Health Monitoring. Sultan boasts 320 international journal papers, 35 books, and honors, including a 2017 Leaders in Innovation Fellowship from the Royal Academy of Engineering. Collaborations include AIRBUS, Malaysian Airlines, and Proton, and he's held roles in bodies like the Malaysian Society of Structural Health Monitoring.