Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Composites are generally composed of two phases, one called the continuous or matrix phase that
surrounds the discontinuous or dispersed phase.
One form of composites is particulate reinforced composites with concrete being a good example. The
aggregate of coarse rock or gravel is embedded in matrix of cement. The aggregate provides stiffness and
strength while cement acts as the binder to hold the structure together.
As long as the added particles are relatively small, of roughly the same size, and evenly distributed
throughout the mixture, there can be a reinforcing effect. The major materials in cement concrete are the
cement, a fine aggregate (sand), coarse aggregate (gravel and small rocks), and water.
The aggregate particles act as inexpensive fillers. The water is also inexpensive. The Good strength is
gained by having a mixture of these such that there is a dense packing of the aggregates and good
interfacial contact, both achieved by having a mixture of aggregate sizes—thus the use of large gravel and
small sand. The sand helps fill the voids between the various larger gravel particles.
Mixing and contact is achieved with the correct amount of water. Enough water must be present to allow
a wetting of the surfaces to occur along with providing some of the reactants for the setting up of the
cement. Too much water creates large voids and weakens the concrete.
Fiber-Reinforced Composites
Fiber-reinforced composites are composed of axial particulates embedded in a matrix material. The
objective of fiber-reinforced composites is to obtain a material with high specific strength and high
specific modulus. The strength is obtained by having the applied load transmitted from the matrix to the
fibers.
Pultrusion is used to produce rods, tubes, beams, etc., with continuous fibers that have a constant cross-
sectional shape. The fiber (as a continuous fiber bundle, weave, or tow) is impregnated with a
thermosetting resin and pulled through a die that shapes and establishes the fiber to resin ratio. This
stock is then pulled though a curing die that can machine or cut producing the final shape such as filled
and hollow tubes and sheets.
Structural Composites
Structural composites can be combinations of homogeneous and composite materials.
Laminar composites are composed of two-dimensional sheets that generally have a preferred high-
strength direction. The layers are stacked so that the preferred high-strength directions are different,
generally at right angles to one another.
• 2D Sheets or Panels
• Stacked and bound with orientation in altering directions
• Improved strength in 2 or more directions in 2D but not 3D
Sandwich composites are combinations where a central core(s) is surrounded generally by stronger outer
layers. Sandwich composites are present in the modern ski and as high temperature stable materials used
in the space program.
• Face sheets with uniform strength are separated by a core or honeycomb
Laminating is a simple binding together of different layers of materials. The binding materials are often
thermosetting plastics and resins. The materials to be bound together can be paper, cloth, wood, or
fibrous glass. These are often referred to as the reinforcing materials.
Laminates are most commonly used surface finish for furniture elements, as they provide decorative look
in comparatively less price. They also enhance the durability of the furniture as they are scratch resistant
and easy to clean. Due to availability of various types of laminates, commercial and corporate offices,
industries, restaurants, hotels, showrooms, etc. are also now decorated by using laminates.