A composite material is a combination of two materials with different physical and chemical properties. When they are combined they create a material which is specialised to do a certain job, for instance to become stronger, lighter or resistant to electricity. They can also improve strength and stiffness. The reason for their use over traditional materials is because they improve the properties of their base materials and are applicable in many situations.
Composite materials have played an important role throughout human history, from housing early civilizations to enabling future innovations. Composites offer many benefits; the key among them are corrosion resistance, design flexibility, durability, light weight, and strength. Composites have permeated our everyday lives such as products that are used in constructions, medical applications, oil and gas, transportation, sports, aerospace, and many more. Some applications, such as rocket ships, probably would not get off the ground without composite materials.
Examples of Composite Uses:
✓Electrical equipment
✓Aerospace structures
✓Infrastructure
✓Pipes and tanks
✓Homes can be framed using plastic ✓laminated beams
Advantages of Composite Materials
✓Low costs compared to metals
✓Design flexibility
✓Resistance to a wide range of chemical agents
✓Low weight
✓Durability
✓Electric insulation
✓High Impact strength
Disadvantages of Composites
1. Composites are more brittle than wrought metals and thus are more easily damaged. Cast metals also tend to be brittle.
2. Repair introduces new problems, for the following reasons: Materials require refrigerated transport and storage and have limited shelf lives. . Hot curing is necessary in many cases, requiring special equipment. Curing either hot or cold takes time. The job is not finished when the last rivet has been installed.
3. If rivets have been used and must be removed, this presents problems of removal without causing further damage.
4. Repair at the original cure temperature requires tooling and pressure.
5. Composites must be thoroughly cleaned of all contamination before repair.
6. Composites must be dried before repair because all resin matrices and some fibers absorbmoisture.