COMPOSITES
Composites are combination of two or more insoluble materials which reinforce to give rise
to a new material with enhanced properties. Heterogeneous at a microscopic scale but
homogeneous at macroscopic scale.
Need for composites (Features of composites)
Composites are materials made from two or more different substances that, when combined,
create a material with superior properties compared to the individual components. There are
many needs for composites in various industries, some of which include:
High strength-to-weight ratio: Composites are lightweight yet strong, making them ideal
for applications where weight reduction is critical, such as aerospace, automotive, and sports
equipment.
Corrosion resistance: Composites are resistant to many chemicals and environmental
conditions, making them ideal for applications where corrosion is a concern, such as marine,
oil and gas, and chemical industries.
Design flexibility: Composites can be molded into various shapes and sizes, allowing for
greater design flexibility and customization, such as in the construction industry.
Durability: Composites can be engineered to have excellent fatigue and impact resistance,
making them ideal for applications where durability is crucial, such as in wind turbine blades
and military equipment.
Somme other features like Light weight, High strength, High impact strength, Non - magnetic
Non – conductive, Part – consolidation, Dimensional stability etc.
Overall, the need for composites stems from their ability to provide a unique combination of
properties that cannot be achieved with traditional materials, allowing for more efficient and
effective solutions in various industries.
Classification Of Composites
Composites are materials made by combining two or more constituent materials with different
properties. The constituent materials are typically classified as the matrix and the
reinforcement. The matrix is the continuous phase, which binds the reinforcement together,
and the reinforcement provides strength and stiffness to the composite.
Composites can be classified based on the type of matrix material used. The three main types
of matrix materials used in composites are:
Polymer matrix composites (PMCs): These composites use a polymer resin as the matrix
material. PMCs are widely used in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and
marine, due to their low weight, high strength, and durability. Examples of PMCs include
carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs), glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRPs), and
aramid fiber reinforced polymers (AFRPs).
Metal matrix composites (MMCs): These composites use a metal alloy as the matrix
material. MMCs are known for their high strength, stiffness, and thermal conductivity, and
they are used in applications where high performance and durability are required. Examples
of MMCs include aluminum reinforced with silicon carbide particles and titanium reinforced
with boron fibers.
Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs): These composites use a ceramic material as the
matrix material. CMCs are known for their high-temperature resistance, corrosion resistance,
and wear resistance, and they are used in applications where extreme conditions are
encountered, such as in gas turbine engines, thermal protection systems, and cutting tools.
Examples of CMCs include silicon carbide reinforced with carbon fibers and alumina
reinforced with silicon carbide particles.
Applications of fiber reinforced plastics (FRP)
1. The use of fibre reinforced plastics has become increasingly attractive
alternative to the conventional metals for many aircraft components mainly
due to their increased strength, durability, corrosion resistance, resistance to
fatigue and damage tolerance characteristics.
2. Metal FRPs are about 20-30% lighter than their conventional metal
counterparts.
3. Composites have long been used in the construction industry as a structural
and non-structural components like span roof structures, tanks, bridge
components non-structural gratings and claddings.
4. FRPs are used as Plumbing Components in construction industry.
5. GFRPs are useful in making various parts of the automobile vehicles and
aeroplanes due to their light weight.
6. CFRPs are extensively used in high-end automobile racing vehicles strength-
to-weight ratio.
7. Aramid fiber reinforced plastics are useful in making combat vehicles and
bulletproof vests due to their high strength.
8. FRPs can be used as industrial flooring and in making the chemical storage
tanks due to their chemical inertness.
9. FRPs made from conducting polymers are useful in making various electronic
devices like diodes, transistors, chips etc.
10. FRPs are useful as structural materials in civil engineering (
11. CFRP is now widely used in sports equipment such as in squash, tennis and
badminton racquets.
12. Aramid fiber reinforced plastics are useful as a brake linings of the disc brakes.
