What Is Composite Material?
Aug 28, 2024| 1. What is composite material?
In simple terms, a composite material is a new material that combines different materials, but still retains its own characteristics, and the composite material has a unique set of properties and qualities, which will be more beneficial than a single material.
What are composites made of?
Any composite material includes a base material and a reinforcement material part. The base material wraps the reinforcement material and holds the relative position of the reinforcement material. The matrix helps to transfer the force on the surface of the component to and between the reinforcement materials, and most materials can play the role of the matrix.
In a broad sense, the base materials are classified, such as: mud; Cement; Asphalt; Rubber; Plastics; Ceramics; Carbon; Metal and so on. The reinforcing substance has a variety of forms, such as: powder or polymerized mineral; Whiskers (very short fibers); Chopped fiber; Continuous fibers, etc.
2. The benefits of composite materials?
- It has a high specific strength and specific modulus (stiffness);
- It can be used in a wide temperature range, and its use temperature is higher than that of its constituent materials;
- Good dimensional stability;
- Good chemical stability (polymer matrix composites and ceramic matrix composites have good corrosion resistance);
- Good resistance to fatigue, creep, impact and fracture toughness.
3. Applications of composite materials in different fields:
Composites are used in a wide range of industries that rely on high-performance materials. For sectors such as aerospace, construction, automotive, energy, infrastructure, Marine, military and sports markets, carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) and glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP), composites offer low-cost, high-performance alternatives.
- Car
The automotive industry is no stranger to composites. In addition to enabling breakthrough vehicle designs, composites are also being used to reduce vehicle weight and carbon dioxide emissions, and can be used in the manufacture of body panels, brake discs and even wheel hubs.
- The Ocean
The Marine industry is using cutting-edge composite fabrication techniques, designs, and materials to make hulls stronger, lighter, more cost-effective, more durable, and more resistant to damage. In addition to making hulls lighter and more resistant to damage, composites can be found in more areas of ships at sea - from interiors to furniture on superyachts.
- Sports and leisure
Sports equipment manufacturers rely on composite materials to improve the performance of their products. Racing car, bicycle and sled manufacturers all use composite materials for optimal aerodynamic performance and durability. From football helmets to hockey sticks to kayaks to sleds, composite materials can help athletes reach their peak performance capacity and provide durable, lightweight gear for weekend warriors.
- Architecture
Around the world, architects and designers are increasingly relying on fiberglass and other composites and advanced materials for large-scale projects, as well as commercial and residential buildings.
- Sports components
Composite materials are also used to manufacture a variety of high-performance sports components, such as snowboards, golf clubs and so on.
To sum up, due to their unique physical and chemical properties, composite materials show significant advantages in many fields, from aerospace to automotive manufacturing, have a wide range of applications