1.2-Composites

Question 1

What is a composite

Answer 1

• a material comprised of two or more different materials, resulting in a material with enhanced properties
• CFRP and GRP and most commonly used

Question 2

Carbon fibres mixed with polyester resin (CFRP) - properties and uses

Answer 2

• lightweight, corrosion resistant, tough, hard, good compression strength
• sports equipment e.g. bicycle frames, racing car bodies and parts, helmets

Question 3

Glass fibres mixed with polyester resin (GRP) - properties and uses

Answer 3

• lightweight, corrosion resistamt, tough, hard, low thermal expansion
• boat hulls, kayak shells, sports car bodies

Question 4

Tungsten carbide (a cermet and cermaic tungsten/cobalt metal) - properties and uses

Answer 4

• hard, tough, reistant to high temperatures

- cutting tools e.g. drill bits, kitchen knives

Question 5

Aluminium composite board (aluminium sheets and polyethelene core) - properties and uses

Answer 5

• lightweight, rigid, tough, malleable, good thermal and sound insulation
• soundproofing panels in cars, buildings and boats

Question 6

Concrete (cement powder, sand, particles) - properties and uses

Answer 6

• high compression strength, low tensile strength, few surface defects
• pathways, beams, blocks, house foundations

Question 7

Reinforced concrete (cement popwder, sand, particles and low carbon steel rods) - properties and uses

Answer 7

• high compression and tensile strength, consistency across the structure, fire resistant
• buildings, bridge piles and bridge spans

Question 8

Fibre cement (cement powder, sand, particles and polymer) - properties and uses

Answer 8

• lighter in weight than reinforced concrete, hard, tough, good at low temperatures
• suspended floors, complex geometric shapes

Question 9

Engineered wood (timber laminated and MF adhesive) - properties and uses

Answer 9

• good aesthetics, natural alternative to reinforced concretes, more lightweight, corrosion proof
• beams, bridges, domes, arches