Advances in cyclomer technology for thermoplastic composites manufacture

The field of composites is experiencing a slight decrease in growth because of the end of the cold war, the associated decrease in defense research and development spending, and the sensitivity to impact fracture damage of commercial thermoset composites. Adaptation of the prior composites technology to a new generation of vehicles and commercial high-speed civil transports is growing steadily because of industry's need for low-cost, lightweight materials that allow improved fuel economy that in turn, reduces CO2 vehicle emissions and environmental (global warming) hazards. The use of the so-called 'cyclomer technology' for thermoplastic composites manufacture offers flexibility and many exciting opportunities that are briefly discussed in this review article. Because of the combination of the relative toughness of the thermoplastic matrices, the load-bearing ability of the continuous fibers and low processing costs, this new class of thermoplastic composites is expected to find increasing use in vehicular applications.