Self-reinforced polymeric materials: A review

The preparation, properties and applications of self-reinforced polymeric materials (SRPMs), representing an emerging family of composite materials, are surveyed. SRPMs are classified according to their constituents (single- or multi-component), their production (in one-step (in situ) or in multi-step (ex situ) procedures) and the spatial alignment of the reinforcing phase in the matrix (in one-, two- or three-dimensions; 1D, 2D or 3D, respectively). The pros and cons of the related processes and products are introduced, and further developments with SRPMs are highlighted. The driving forces in the development of SRPMs include possibilities for recycling (i.e., reprocessing via remelting) and the fabrication of lightweight structures.