5. Processability of Thermosetting Composites

The processability of polymeric composites depends upon various factors ranging from raw materials, coupling agents, additives present, processing method, mould design, processing parameters, surrounding environmental conditions, and post-fabrication handling. Uniformity in the properties of raw materials is essential for the desired processability of polymeric composites. It is quite common in reinforcements that their mechanical properties diminish once their useful life is expired. In glass fabrics, it is also seen that wet resin does not stick to its surface, indicating the loss of the coupling agent on glass fibres, thus making them hydrophilic [1, 2]. The presence of additives influences the properties of thermosetting composites, including curing of the matrix, interphase with the reinforcement, etc. The right selection of the processing method and its parameters aids in processability. Mould design and tooling too have an influence on the efficiency and quality of thermosetting composites being manufactured. The surrounding environmental conditions (such as humidity, dust, and temperature) have an influence on raw materials and processing conditions. Handling a manufactured part requires care so that further processing and finishing operations (such as printing, embossing, metalizing, etc.) can be carried out.