UNIT

1INTRODUCTIO
N1. What is a co
mposite?
A composite is
structural
materials that
consist of two or
more
combinedconstit
uents that are
combined at a
macroscopic
level and are not
soluble in each
other.One
constituent is
called the
reinforcing phase
and the one in
which it is
embedded is
calledthe matrix.
The reinforcing
phase material
may be in the
form of fibres,
particles, or
flakes.The matrix
phase materials
are generally
continuous.
Examples of
composite
systemsinclude
concrete
reinforced with
steel and epoxy
reinforced with
graphite fibres,
etc.
2. What are adv
anced composit
es?
Advanced
composite
materials are
manmade
composite
materials.
Theyinclude as
resin, metal or
ceramic matrix
composite
systems
reinforced with
high
strength,high
modulus
continuous or
discontinuous
forms (such as
continuous
fibres, chopped
fibres,whiskers
or particles).
The resultant
material exhibits
entirely distinct,
but superior
propertieswhich
are not exhibited
by the
constituting
elements.
Advanced
composites are
compositemateri
als that are
traditionally used
in the aerospace
industries.
Theses
composites
havehigh
performance
reinforcements
of a thin
diameter in a
matrix material
such as epoxy
andaluminum.
3. What are natu
ral composites?
Give examples.
The composite
material that
exists in nature is
regarded as
naturalcomposite
s. Examples of
such
composites inclu
de, wood
(composed of
cellulose and
lignin),human or
animal body
(composed of
bones
and tissues) or
even rocks and
materials.
Bonesthemselve
s are composites
made of two
components, the
organic and
inorganic.
Theorganic
component
consists largely
of carbohydrates
, fats
and proteins
imparting
pliability tothe
bones. The
organic
component is
calcium
phosphate which
provides rigidity
and strengthto
the bones.
Sea shells and
elephant tusk are
also natural
layered
composites.
4. What are the
common types
of composites?
The most typical
types of
composites
consist of an
addictive or
reinforcementsuc
h as fibres or
particles
embedded in a
supporting
material called
matrix. Usually
theseare
structural
materials but
they can also be
special materials
such as electrical
conductors.Som
e composites
have no matrix
and are
composed of one
or more
constituent
formsconsisting
of two or more
different
materials.
Laminates, for
example, are
composed
entirelyof layers
which taken
together, give
the composite its
form. Plywood
with multiple
plies
withdifferent
orientation of
fibres is a typical
laminate
composite.
Sandwiches
which
arecomposed of
a thick and
light core
material bonded
on either side by
a thin strong
facing arealso
regards as
composites.
Many felts and
fabrics have no
body matrix but
consist entirelyof
fibres of several
compositions
with or without
bonding force.
5. What is a
reinforced com
posite?
A reinforced
composite is one
in which the
primary purpose
of the insert is
toimprove the
mechanical
properties of the
composite. The
insert is called
reinforcement.
Thecomposite is
formed is called
reinforced
composite.