Survey of current status and future trends in reinforced plastics composites

Abstract The production of reinforced plastics has constantly increased since the Second World War. With a forecast growth rate of 8 to 12 percent annually over the next decade, composites are one of the fastest growing sectors of the plastics industry. Advanced composites will show the largest expansion, due to a strong increase in demands in aerospace and military markets. Penetration of advanced composites into big‐volume markets has not occurred, but it is believed that advances in both materials and machinery will accelerate the mass‐production of these materials. High‐volume composites will see a less rapid growth rate but demands for these materials will continue to increase. Land transportation will remain the largest and will be also the fastest growing market for high‐volume composites. Current status and future trends in the uses of various reinforcing fibers and matrix resins are presented. Hurdles to the expansion of reinforced plastics are also discussed.