10 - Composites - Classification

Question 1

Carbon-fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP)

-Carbon fibres mixed with polyester resin

Answer 1

Lightweight, corrosion resistant, tough, hard, good compressive strength, low thermal expansion.

Sports equipment, e.g bicycle frames, tennis raquets, fishing rods, sports car parts.

Question 2

Glass-fibre reinforced polymer (GRP)

-Glass fibres mixed with polyester resin

Answer 2

Lightweight, corrosion resistant, tough, hard, good compressive strength, low thermal expansion.

Boat hulls, kayak shells, sports car parts

Question 3

Tungsten carbide

-Cermet (mix of ceramin and metal particles)

-Ceramic tungsten and cobalt metal

Answer 3

Hard, tough, temperature resistant, corrosion resistant.

Cutting tools, like drill bits, tool tips, kitchen knives.

Question 4

Aluminium composite board

-Aluminium sheets with a polyethylene core

Answer 4

Lightweight, rigid, tough, malleable, good thermal and sound insulation, good vibration damping.

Soundproofing panels in cars, buildings and boats. Signs

Question 5

Concrete

-Cement powder, sand, aggregate, water

Answer 5

High compressive strength, low tensile strength, easy to mould. Minimal surface defects

Pathways, beams, building foundations etc.

Question 6

Reinforced concrete

-Cement powder, sand, aggregate, water, low carbon steel rods

Answer 6

High compression snd tensile strength, consistency across the structure, fire resistant. Minimal surface defects

Buildings, bridge piles, walls, floors

Question 7

Fibre cement

-Cement powder, sand, aggregate, water, polymer or steel fibres

Answer 7

Lighter than reincforced concrete, hard, tough, good at low temperatures (freeze-thaw resistant)

Suspended floors, pathwards, complex geometric structures

Question 8

Engineered wood (E.G Glulam)

-Timber laminates and MF adhesive

Answer 8

Good aesthetics, natural alternative to reinforced concretes, lighter weight than concrete, fire resistant, corrosion resistant, good structural stablilitys,