Introduction
The next few years are critical for composite materials. As the most mature of composite technologies, polymer matrix composite materials must now prove that they can compete with traditional materials on cost, performance, in-service reliability and ease of use, as well as recyclability. Metal matrix, ceramic matrix, and other less traditional composite materials must also satisfy this new focus on life-cycle and economic issues. And yet we still have many fundamental research issues outstanding. More than ever, we need to bridge the forces of academia, industry, and government. Without losing sight of our long-term goals, we must ensure that the shorter term needs of science and technology aie met and exceeded.
The response to the call for papers for ICCM-10 was very strong, with over 900 abstracts submitted from 40 countries. The efforts of 60 reviewers, with each abstract being peer reviewed twice, lead to the acceptance and publication of approximately 490 papers for oral presentation and some 90 papers for poster presentation. These proceedings include all oral and poster presentations. In addition, a book of extended abstracts, light enough to carry and use during the conference, was also made available. Furthermore, the top 100 papers at ICCM-10 will appear after the conference in extended and reviewed form in special issues of Applied Composite Materials, Composites, Composite Manufacturing, Composites Science and Technology, Composite Structures, Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, Polymers and Polymer Composites, and Science and Engineering of Composite Materials.
In keeping with the tradition of ICCM, all major topics are covered. Invited plenary speakers, panel discussions, technically-oriented receptions coupled with poster presentations, and other extra-curricular activities were also arranged during the conference to encourage dialogue and interaction.
These proceedings provide a snap-shot of the status of composite materials research throughout the world in 1995. The work of many leading researchers and research groups is covered in six volumes and 4800 pages. Proceedings such as these and the personal interactions that occur during the conferences themselves are the main contribution of the ICCM series. Since their inception in 1975, ICCMs have provided a continuous record of our activities. They are invaluable to students, newcomers, inter-disciplinary researchers, and experts alike. Although ICCMs cannot and should not compete with smaller specialist meetings, they serve a special role. We hope that we will yet see an ICCM-20.
Anoush Poursartip
Ken Street
Vancouver
June 1995