Production Technologies and Application of Polymer Composites in Engineering: A Review

Abstract

Composite materials have been increasingly used in various branches of industry, transport, construction, and medicine—as well as in other sectors of the economy and science—in recent decades. A significant advancement in the improvement of composite material characteristics has been achieved through the use of nanoparticles, which substantially enhance the properties of the base material, whether it is the matrix or the reinforcing phase in hybrid composites. The broad application of polymers and polymer composites in many areas of engineering has had a significant impact on reducing friction and wear, improving the thermal characteristics of individual components and entire technical systems, enhancing electrical conductivity, reducing the specific weight of components, lowering noise and vibration levels, and ultimately decreasing fuel consumption, production costs, and the costs of operation and maintenance of technical systems. This paper explores the potential applications of polymer composites in various assemblies and components of conventional vehicles, as well as in hybrid and electric vehicles. Furthermore, their use in medicine and the defense industry is examined fields in which some authors believe composites were first pioneered. Finally, aviation represents an indispensable domain for the application of such materials, presenting unique exploitation boundary conditions, including dynamic environmental changes such as variations in temperature, pressure, velocity, and direction, as well as the need for high levels of protection. Future research can be unequivocally focused on the structural and technological advancement of polymer composites, specifically through optimization aimed at reducing waste and lowering production costs.