A carbon fiber is prepared for mounting in a device to test its adhesion to a polymer matrix. ORNL researchers are using polymer nanofibers to increase the adhesion, and thus the performance, of ...

This graphic shows an unconventional approach to making widely used composite materials stronger and tougher. Thermoplastic fibers are deposited like cobwebs on top of rigid fibers to chemically form ...

Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) are made by reinforcing a polymer-based matrix with glass, carbon, or aramid fibers. PMCs are classified into thermosetting and thermoplastic resins based on the type ...