Composite Materials and Their Importance

Composite Materials

8.4

Composite Materials

Introduction to Composite Materials

A composite material is a material made from combining two or more non-homogeneous substances.
These non-homogeneous substances are the matrix substance and the strengthening substance.
The matrix substance binds the strengthening substance together.

Composite

Reinforced Concrete

Materials:
- Cement
- Gravel
- Sand
- Water

Fibre Glass

Materials:
- Silica
- Sodium carbonate
- Calcium carbonate

Fibre Optics

Materials:
- Glass
- Copper
- Aluminium

Superconductor

Materials:
- Niobium
- Germanium

Photochromic Glass

Materials:
- Molten silica
- Silver chloride

Uses of Composite Materials

Reinforced Concrete

Buildings
Bridges

Fibre Glass

Bumper of cars
Helmets

Fibre Optics

Telecommunication
Computer network

Superconductor

Transportation
MRI machine
NMR machine

Photochromic Glass

The glass of windows for buildings and cars
Lens of camera

Comparison and Difference in Properties of Composite Materials and Their Original Components

Comparison in Properties of Reinforced Concrete with its Original Components

Concrete can withstand high compression forces but will break if subjected to high stretching forces.
Combination of concrete and steel bars or wire mesh can increase the ability of the concrete to withstand compression forces.

Comparison in Properties of Fibre Glass with its Original Components

Plastic matrix consists of plastic that is weak, soft and easily burned.
The properties of plastic are reinforced by adding glass fibres.

Comparison in Properties of Optical Fibre with its Original Components

Optical fibre has high compression strength although the original component that is glass fibre, is brittle.

Comparison in Properties of Photochromic Glass with its Original Components

Glass is transparent and does not absorb UV rays.
Silver halide salt crystals such as silver chloride, AgCl is transparent to visible light and absorbs UV rays at the same time.

Comparison in Properties of Superconductor with its Original Component

Superconductors can conduct electrical current without any resistance at very low temperature whereas its original components cannot..