Manufacturing techniques and applications of polymer matrix composites: a brief review

Polymers are naturally occurring or artificially prepared materials consisting of long chains of molecules embedded into three-dimensional geometry having excellent flexibility and strength. The physical and chemical behaviour is further improved by adding specific reinforcements into polymer matrix called polymer matrix composites giving entirely new properties (which has revolutionised the aerospace and automobile industry). This paper reports the brief history of origin of polymers and their area of applications in early days of research. The classification of polymers has been discussed along with application area of individual polymer. The literature survey has been presented to highlight the enhancement of various properties of composites after addition of different reinforcements. The future challenges along with areas of application of polymer matrix composites have been explored which may help to eliminate the plastic waste and help to reduce environmental pollution.