Post on 25-Feb-2023
Composite materials are materials made from two or more constituent materials with chemical properties, that when combined, produce a material with characteristics different from the individual components. For example-Wood is a good example of a natural composite, combination of cellulose fiber and lignin. The cellulose fiber provides strength and the lignin is the "glue" that bonds and stabilizes the fiber.
Matrix materials are usually thermoplastics or thermosets, polyester, epoxy (80% of reinforced plastics), fluorocarbon, silicon, phenolic.
COMPOSITES – POLYMER MATRIX
Polymer matrix composites are plastics (resins) within which there are embedded fibres.
The plastic is known as the matrix, and the fibres orientated within it are known as the reinforcement.
APPLICATIONS OF REINFORCED PLASTICSFor making boats usually of fibreA wide variety of composites products are used in industrial applications, where corrosion resistance and performance in adverse environments is critical.
In bath wear and sporting goodsIndustrial composite products include underground storage tanks, scrubbers, piping, fume hoods, water treatment components, pressure vessels, and a host of other products.
COMPOSITES – METAL MATRIX The metal matrix composites offer higher modulus of elasticity, ductility, and resistance to elevated temperature than polymer matrix composites. But, they are heavier and more difficult to process.
COMPOSITES – CERAMIC MATRIX
Ceramic matrix composites (CMC) are used in applications where resistance to high temperature and corrosive environment is desired. CMCs are strong and stiff but they lack toughness (ductility)
Applications are in jet and automobile engines, deep-see mining, cutting tools, dies and pressure vessels.
Pedestrian bridge in Denmark, 130 feet long (1997)
Swedish Navy, Stealth (2005)
Application of Composites
Lance Armstrong’s 2-lb. Trek bike, 2004 Tour de France
Advantages of Composites
Higher Specific Strength (strength-to-weight ratio)
Composites have a higher specific strength than many other materials A distinct advantage of composites over other materials is the ability to use many combinations of resins and reinforcementsComposites have an advantage over other materials because they can be molded into complex shapes at relatively low cost
Disadvantages of Composites
The strength in composites vary as the direction along which we measure changesThe relationship between stress and strain (force and deformation) is much more complicated than in isotropic materials.The experience gained over the years about the behavior of metallic materials does not apply to composite materials. Most engineering structural materials are homogeneous.
In November 1999, America’s Cup boat “Young America” broke in two due to deboning face/core in the sandwich structure.
CONCLUSIONComposite materials plays development role in this modern age
Those are very durable
By manufacturing any vehicles, we can get a higher efficiency
Lighter than the metallic structures
No risk of producing complex shapes