Chapter 1 - Composite Materials

Question 1

Fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP)

Answer 1

These are composites that are made by combining a woven material, such as carbon fibre, with a polymer resin and a catalyst to make a strong, lightweight material.

Question 2

Fibre-reinforced composite

Answer 2

A material that is made up of resins and fibres. Can also refer to materials such as reinforced concretes where reinforcing rods (fibres) have been added to the mix.

Question 3

Particle-based composited

Answer 3

Composites that consist solely of particles of two or more different materials, eg. cermets and concrete

Question 4

Warping

Answer 4

Deforming in timber due to uneven drying

Question 5

Laying up

Answer 5

The act of laminating, for example glass fibre matt and coating it with polyester resin.

Question 6

Matt

Answer 6

Loosely woven fibres that make up the material once resins have been added.

Question 7

Cermet

Answer 7

A mixture of a metal and a ceramic (used for cutting tools)

Question 8

Laminate

Answer 8

Building up layers of materials, e.g. plywood; also refers to a layer of plastic material, e.g. melamine formaldehyde over chipboard

Question 9

Aluminium

Answer 9

a soft, lightweight silvery looking material. Usually alloyed with other metals to increase properties such as strength and ductility (see also duralumin.)

Question 10

Corrosion

Answer 10

The deterioration of metals

Question 11

Alloy

Answer 11

A mixture of two or more metals with the aim of enhancing particular properties