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The purpose of this paper is to clarify the relationship between the use of different polymer matrices for the preparation of composite materials, namely, polyethylene terephthalate-glycol (PET-G) and polyamide (PA), using Composite Fiber Co-Extrusion technology with the application of two types of carbon fibers, short and continuous. The aim of the study is also to extend the knowledge of the production of composite materials with a defined structure from the point of view of their influence on the microstructure and their physical-mechanical properties.

As part of the experiment, four types of samples were prepared, namely, two types of samples with PA polymer matrix and two types with PET-G polymer matrix. All types contained short carbon fibers and always one set from each polymer matrix in addition to continuous carbon fibers. All types were prepared using the same 3D printing parameters to avoid any further influence. The samples were then tested for microstructure using microCT, mechanical properties using a tensile test and dilatation characteristics from the point of view of aerospace applications. Finally, the raw materials themselves were tested.

The paper provides insight into the influence of polymer matrix types on the physico-mechanical properties of 3D printed composites. The analysis confirmed that the physico-mechanical results varied with respect to the interface between the polymer matrix and the carbon fiber. The implications of the conclusions can be extended to the development of products in the aerospace and automotive sectors.

This study provides information for composite applications in the aerospace industry, focusing on evaluating dilatation characteristics within very low temperatures (−60 °C) when using carbon fibers (continuous carbon fibers, short carbon fibers and a combination of both) in two types of thermoplastic matrices. This perspective on materials characterisation for aerospace applications is a very important and unpublished approach within the 3D printing of composites. These characteristics are important parameters in the design of prototypes and functional samples with regard to the resulting behaviour in real conditions.

A SPLENDID conference, I thought. True, there were those who complained, those who thought some of the papers were elementary and those who thought that we had come a long way to learn very little. I don't agree at all. Some of the papers did, I admit, deal with basic considerations but it does nothing but good to re‐examine the framework of our services from time to time. In any case other papers were erudite, and for the first time I have seen an audience of librarians and authority members stunned, almost, into silence.

MIDSUMMER sees the general settling down of thoughtful librarians to a contemplation of their Winter programmes. This seems a cruel suggestion since (if we are fortunate) the skies are still blue above us, the trees green, and—well, holidays are just ahead. One duty, however, belongs to midsummer and that is the annual election of the Library Association Council. There is growing evidence that in this matter we are no longer prepared to leave our representation in the most important council that exists for us to chance. By the time these words appear the question, so far as 1928 is concerned, will have been settled. We hope a well‐balanced Council will be the result, and that, after an interval of several years, Ireland will be represented.