Reinforced Plastics - What They Can Do for You in the Next 10 Years

Seven billion pounds of resins, reinforcing agents, and fillers are estimated to be in annual use today in reinforced plastics, or composite, applications. Their total value to industry is about 4 billion dollars. Data are presented on the potential which exists for producing significant advances of at least two-fold, as opposed to relatively minor improvements in sheet materials such as steel, aluminum, and titanium. This paper presents a review of this surprisingly super market for reinforced plastics with emphasis on management participation.