Composite Materials

Question 0

Concrete

Answer 0

Used in construction, roads, brick laying, building and many more.
Concrete is composed of a number of materials, that combine to form this versatile building material. Most concrete is made up of Portland Cement, aggregates (gravel, crushed stones) and sand. Water is added to the mix.

Question 1

What are composite materials

Answer 1

Composite materials, also called Composites. Composed of two or more materials, that have different properties. The materials are bonded together and their properties are combined.
Composite materials combine the physical properties of the individual materials they are made up of, forming a superior material.

KEVLAR - REINFORCED CONCRETE
PLYWOOD - GLASS REINFORCED FIBRE
CARBON FIBRE

Question 2

Steel reinforced concrete

Answer 2

Concrete is weak when put under tension. If reinforced with steel rods, it is can withstand tensile forces. Reinforced concrete has long steel rods passing through its length, adding great strength to the final composite material. Able to resist tensile forces.
Used for bridge building, skyscrapers and general large scale construction.

Question 3

Glass reinforced plastic

Answer 3

Composed of strands of glass and woven to form a flexible fabric. Placed in a mould and polyester resin is added, followed by a catalyst (to speed up the reaction). Allowed to dry/cure.
The resulting material is strong and light. Can be sanded and painted.
Used for canoes, car bodies, small swimming pools, water tanks, surfboards, small boat hulls.

Question 4

Kevlar

Answer 4

Kevlar is a liquid, converted into a fibre and woven into a textile material. Extremely strong, lightweight, corrosion and heat resistant.
Has a high tensile strength to weight ratio, far exceeding steel, carbon fibre and specialist alloys.
Uses when combined with other materials: bullet proof jackets, armour for military vehicles and planes. Formula 1 fuel tanks.