Study and characterization of thermo-mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced and nano-structured composites based on engineering and high performance polymeric matrices for high temperature applications

Nowadays many sectors require stated materials with a Continuous Use Temperature (CUT) of 150-200 °C for many hours, also in corrosive environmental conditions. Polymeric materials, with very particular properties, are defined High Performance Polymers (HPP). For the time being HPPs are expensive (50-150 $/Kg) and used only for high quality applications. The doctorate project activities had the purpose to study, produce and characterize HPPs, blends and fiber-reinforced composites, micro and nanocomposites or hybrid formulations. The combined effect of blending HPP matrices, reinforcing and nano structuring the materials allowed to produce composites with enhanced performances and/or distinctive properties for specific applications. Moreover the addition of fibers and fillers, at a considerably lower price respect to the matrices, decreased the cost of the materials. Another aim of this work of thesis was the optimization of the processing technologies for the production of such materials. Some better thermo-mechanical characteristics, lower cost and higher productivity made these materials affordable for the use in mass production.