Composite materials

Question 1

What are composite materials?

Answer 1

Composite materials are materials produced by mixing together two (or more) different materials. Properties from each materials can be enhanced and utilised.

Question 2

What makes up a composite material?

Answer 2

Fibre/filament reinforcement + matrix = composite

fibre/filament reinforcement
-high strength
-high stiffness
-low density

matrix
-good shear properties
-low density

composite
-all of above

Question 3

What are the properties of composites?

Answer 3

-ability to be moulded into a variety of 3D forms
-enhancement of physical and/or mechanical properties
-ease of manufacturing for some uses against traditional materials
-improved product performance

Question 4

What types of composites are there?

Answer 4

-carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP)
-glass reinforced plastic (GRP)
-tungsten carbide
-aluminium composite board
-concrete, incl. reinforced concrete
-fibre cement
-engineered word (e.g. glulam (glued laminated timber))