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Composite Materials - a brief overview

Composite materials are materials that are made up of two or more separate materials, called constituent materials. These composite materials have distinct physical, and sometimes chemical, properties. By combining the materials, the composite material has properties that are different than either of the constituent materials.

Constituent materials are considered either matrix materials or reinforcement materials. All composite materials have at least one constituent material of each kind. Matrix materials act as a medium to hold the reinforcement materials in place, and the reinforcement material is used to provide additional strength for the material.

Generally composite materials are not isotropic, meaning that their physical properties are not equal in all directions. The physical properties depend on the arrangement and orientation of the constituent materials within the composite material.

Composite materials are typically used when weight is a factor. A composite material can be nearly as strong as the reinforcing material, but at a fraction of the weight.

Composite materials include carbon fiber materials, reinforced concrete, and plywood.

For additional information, see:

Composite Materials (wikipedia.com)

Composite Material (encyclopedia.com)

Composite Materials (science.org)