👉👇To begin, composite materials are made up of at least two different materials. It combines to provide features that are superior to the separate elements' properties. Many of the component materials and technologies available for producing composites are extremely versatile and efficient. When two or more materials combine, they form a composite material with considerably distinct chemical or physical properties. As a result, the material has different properties than the separate components. Individual components stay separate and distinct from the final structure, distinguishing composites from mixes and solid solutions. Composites include mud building bricks, which have been used since ancient times and are made by blending mud bricks and straws. This gave the composite the strength and resilience of mud bricks as well as the tensile strength of straw. In general, the composite material is made up of three major components: (a) the matrix, which is a continuous phase; (b) the reinforcements, which are either continuous or discontinuous phases that are employed to strengthen the composite; and (c) the fine interface region.

Evaluation of composite materials:

👉Composite materials have played critical roles in human life for thousands of years, beginning with enabling early civilizations to create buildings and continuing to enable developments in modern technology. For thousands of years, humans have used composite materials. The first composite was discovered about 1500 BC when Egyptians and Mesopotamians utilised mud and straw to build their homes. The first bow was made by the Mongols out of wood, bone, and animal glue. During WWII, the composite civilisation was improved and moved from the laboratory to actual production. In addition, industries have accepted the development of components from fibre-reinforced polymer composites.

Matrix

👉The matrix material's principal job in polymer composites is to act as a binder and transfer load between composite constituents, supply the component's net form, and define surface quality.

In general, thermoplastic and thermosetting matrix materials are used in polymer composites. Both materials have been employed in the development of composites from the birth of the composite era.

Thermoplastic;

👉Intro: Thermoplastics can be heated and softened before being moulded or shaped, and then cooled to retain the desired shape. It possesses a one- or two-dimensional molecular structure and an increased melting point at high temperatures.

Benefits: Can be reused Heat can be used to remould and restructure materials. It is simple to produce large quantities in a short period. Chemically resistant as well as impact resistant More expensive than thermosets Metal processing adhesive that is environmentally friendly.

Thermo setting;

👉Intro: During the process of changing the phase from liquid to solid, thermosetting materials undergo an irreversible chemical bond reaction bond, i.e., crosslinking or curing. The cross-linking avoids component remelting with the application of heat.

Benefits: It is not recyclable. Once cured, it cannot be moulded or remoulded. It has higher dimensional stability.   Reasonably priced More resistant to high temperatures Rigid and hard Excellent finishes in terms of aesthetics Improved mechanical characteristics

 

Application of composite materials

Ø  These materials are mostly used in the construction of bridges, buildings, and a variety of other constructions.

Ø  Swimming pool panels, boat hulls, racing car bodies, shower stalls, bathtubs, cultured marble sinks, storage tanks, imitation granites, and countertops are examples.

Ø  Cars interior decoration, cars pumpers, and aircraft industries

Ø  Composite hybrid bicycles, bike accessories