Description
"This sector of the composites industry is characterized by the use of expensive, high-performance resin systems and high-strength, high-stiffness fiber reinforcement. The aerospace industry, including military and commercial aircraft of all types, is the major customer for advanced composites. These materials have also been adopted for use by the sporting goods suppliers who sell high-performance equipment to the golf, tennis, fishing, and archery markets." [OSHA Technical Manual: Advanced Composites] Many hazardous chemicals and materials may be handled in the production of polymer-matrix composites such as 1) resin manufacturing; 2) resin formulation; 3) prepregging; and 4) open molding. The most commonly used fibers are carbon/graphite, Kevlar, and glass fibers. Commonly used chemicals include: solvents, isocyanates, epoxy resins, anhydrides, amino- and phenol-formaldehyde resins, and various amines used as catalysts or hardeners. Allergic contact dermatitis and asthma are the occupational diseases most likely to be encountered in this "industry."
Other references: Chap. 34 in Sullivan; Chap 30 in LaDou (2nd ed.); Chap. 41 in Rosenstock; Chap. 51 in Zenz; Chapter 78 in Kanerva; ILO Encyclopedia, online ed.; SRI Consulting: http://www-cmrc.sri.com/CEH/Reports/; "COMPOSITES: An Insider's Technical Guide to Corporate America's Activities." 3rd ed.: http://www.advmat.com/;