Book excerpt: The first systematic reference on the topic with an emphasis on thecharacteristics and dimension of the reinforcement. This first of three volumes, authored by leading researchers inthe field from academia, government, industry, as well as privateresearch institutions around the globe, focuses on macro and microcomposites. Clearly divided into three sections, the first offers anintroduction to polymer composites, discussing the state of theart, new challenges, and opportunities of various polymer compositesystems, as well as preparation and manufacturing techniques. Thesecond part looks at macro systems, with an emphasis on fiberreinforced polymer composites, textile composites, and polymerhybrid composites. Likewise, the final section deals with microsystems, including micro particle reinforced polymer composites,the synthesis, surface modification and characterization of microparticulate fillers and flakes as well as filled polymer microcomposites, plus applications and the recovery, recycling and lifecycle analysis of synthetic polymeric composites.