Composites

Question 1

Structure of Composites

Answer 1

Fiber/filament reinforcement + matrix = composite material

Question 2

What is a composite?

Answer 2

A composite is a material comprised of two or more different materials, resulting in a material with enhanced properties.

Question 3

Carbon fibre reinforced (CFRP) plastic composition

Answer 3

Carbon fibres mixed with polyester resin or epoxy resin

Question 4

Glass reinforced plastic (GRP) composition

Answer 4

Glass fibres mixed with polyester resin

Question 5

Tungsten carbide composition

Answer 5

A cermet (mixture of ceramic and metal particles)
Ceramic tungsten and cobalt metal

Question 6

Aluminium composite board composition

Answer 6

Aluminium sheets with a polyethylene core

Question 7

Concrete composition

Answer 7

Cement powder, sand, aggregate particles mixed with water

Question 8

Reinforced concrete composition

Answer 8

Cement powder, sand, aggregate particles and low carbon steel rods (rebar) mixed with water

Question 9

Fibre cement composition

Answer 9

Cement powder, sand, aggregate particles and polymer or steel fibres mixed with water

Question 10

Engineered wood composition

Answer 10

Timber laminates and MF adhesive

Question 11

Carbon fibre reinforced (CFRP) plastic properties and uses

Answer 11

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

Uses: Sports equipment such as bicycle frames, tennis racquets, fishing rods, racing car bodies and parts, helmets, prosthetics

Question 12

Glass reinforced plastic (GRP) properties and uses

Answer 12

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

Uses: Boat hulls, pond liners, kayak shells, sports car bodies and parts, locomotive train cabs

Question 13

Tungsten carbide properties and uses

Answer 13

Properties: Hard, tough, resistant to high temperatures, corrosion resistant.

Uses: Cutting tools such as drill bits, lathe tool tips, router bits, kitchen knives

Question 14

Aluminium composite board properties and uses

Answer 14

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

Uses: Sound-proofing panels in cars, buildings and boats, signage

Question 15

Concrete properties and uses

Answer 15

Properties: High compression strength, low tensile strength, few surface defects, easy to mould.

Uses: Pathways, beams, blocks, driveways, house foundations

Question 16

Reinforced concrete properties and uses

Answer 16

Properties: High compression and tensile strength, consistency across the structure, few surface defects, fire resistant.

Uses: Buildings, bridge piles and bridge spans, retaining walls, grid floors

Question 17

Fibre cement properties and uses

Answer 17

Properties: Lighter in weight than reinforced concrete, hard, tough, good at low temperatures and freeze/thaw situations.

Uses: Suspended floors, complex geometric shapes, pathways

Question 18

Engineered wood properties and uses

Answer 18

Properties:

Uses: