IUPAC

There has been enormous activity in the field of continuous fibre reinforced polymeric composites research particularly in the period between 1980 and the present. There has also been quite a decline in this activity in the last few years. Global economic and political changes can readily account for these trends. Yet despite inaccuracies in predicting certain aspects of future applications and growth for these composites there does seem to be some certainty about their future use. Much of the research activity has involved characterization particularly associated with processing, properties and structure. In addition, there remains plenty yet to explore. Many of the scientists associated with IUPAC Working Party IV.2.1 have been directly or consequentially involved with this research. As a body, this Working Party is a considerable source of "know-how" in this area. Perhaps more importantly this "know-how" also encompasses a credible source of knowledge on what should be done in the future. Therefore, the aim of this project is to articulate future requirements in the characterization of these composites. In doing this we would naturally wish to express our view from a position of strength (in this case knowledge) but we do not wish to formally review or document the state of the art. However, in expressing the future needs we must reflect this with a credibility of current knowledge.

• Part I. Introductory Paper
  Pure Appl. Chem., 69, pp.1693-1705, 1997
• Part II. Mechanical Performance of Injection Molded Composites
  Pure Appl. Chem., 69, pp.1707-1723, 1997
• Part III. Studies on Thin Sections Extracted from Moldings (WAFERS)
  Pure Appl. Chem., 69, pp.1725-1740, 1997
• Part IV. Structural Studies on Injection Molded Composites
  Pure Appl. Chem., 69, pp.2523-2539, 1997
• Part V. Modelling of Stiffness
  Pure Appl. Chem., 69, pp.1741-1751, 1997
• Part VI. Rheological Studies of Materials Based on the Polypropylene Matrix
  Pure Appl. Chem., 69, pp.2541-2565, 1997
• Part VII. Rheological studies of processed polypropylene-glass composites [see to project 421/28/89]