One-component composites as functionally gradient materials

In general, composites are made from at least two distinctive components, fibers and matrix. However, the one-component composite is made only from self-reinforcing thermoplastic fibers that are interconnected by a specific compaction or sintering process. Plies made of this material behave quite similar to, for example, glass-fiber-reinforced polymers. Stiffness and strength parallel to the fiber direction is high and transverse to the fiber axes is low. The transverse and longitudinal anisotropy ratio depends on the sintering temperature. Thus, non-constant process temperature along wall thickness results in functionally graded material properties in structural shells, which can be well characterizsed by nondestructive testing methods. High energy absorbing capacity makes these materials suitable for protective purposes.