Composite Materials

Composite Materials can be defined as a combination of two or more dissimilar

materials having a distinct interface between them such that the properties of the resulting
materials are superior to the individual constituting components.

Composites consists of two phases i) Matrix ii) Reinforcement

i) Matrix : Matrix is continuous and surrounds the Reinforcement
ii) Reinforcement : Reinforcement is discontinuous

Example : Glass fibre Reinforced Plastics

Matrix -> Plastics
Reinforcement -> Glass fibre

Plastics : Light, durable, easy to mould and show excellent corrosion resistance.
They are not strong, Stiff and dimensionally not stable for load bearing.
Glass fibre : High strength, Stiffness and durability.
Lack in Ductility.
By proper composition and orientation of continuous fibres, It is possible to design a
GRP of desired mechanical properties and functional characteristics.

• Reinforced phase is usually of low density, strong, stiff and thermally stable.[Metals
and Ceramics]
• The most common fibres are high strength, high modulus Graphite, Boron and glass
fibres.

Functions of matrix
- It takes the load and transfers it to the reinforcement.
- It binds or holds the reinforcement and protects the same from mechanical or
chemical damage that might occur by abrasion of their surface.
- Matrix also separates the individual fibres and prevents brittle cracks from
completely across the section of the composite.

1
M.RajaRoy
M.E[CAD/CAM]
Asst. Professor
ANITS
Applications of Composite Materials

Composite System Properties Applications

Al/SiC whisker and /or Tensile strength and
Continuous SiC filament modulus of are superior to
steel and aluminum, light
weight, excellent high
temperature capability up to
about 4000C.
Automotive applications
include engine blocks,
pistons, tie rods and push
rods, piston rods, frames,
ship structures, light weight
bridging, truck and
automobile chases, etc.

Medical applications
include Prostheses, wheel
chairs and orthofiles

Sports equipments such as

tennis racquets, ski poles,
skis, fishing rods, golf
clubs, bicycle frames and
motor cycle frames

Helicopter parts.
Cu/Graphite Electrical conductivity, Motor brushes, cables,
wear resistance and strength electrical contacts.
Al/Boron or Graphite Light weight and wear Shuttles in textile industry
resistance and sports equipment
Al/Borsic High specific strength and Fan blades in turbine
stiffness, elevated engines, aircraft compressor
temperature stability. blades, wing boxes and
other aircraft and spacecraft
applications
Epoxy/Kevlar High specific strength and Aircraft semistructured and
stiffness, reduced fuel non-structural parts such as
consumption due to weight window reveals, ceiling
saving. panels, over-head storage
bins, landing gear doors etc.
Polyester/Kevlar Specific strength and Boat hulls, sporting goods
stiffness, vibrational (including tennis racquets,
damping capacity, damage golf clubs shafts, hocky
resistance. sticks etc) and Helmets.
Polymer/Graphite fibre Light weight, resistance to Aerospace and automotive
heat and environment, creep applications and sporting
resistance, stiffness and goods.
strength.
Polymer/Glass fibre Light weight and low cost Light weight automotive

2
M.RajaRoy
M.E[CAD/CAM]
Asst. Professor
ANITS

Plastics/RS* Al flakes Excellent thermal
conductivity
Concrete/RS steel fibres Superior tensile strength,
impact strength, wear
resistance, and resistance to
spalling
Refractories/RS steel Reduced brittleness,
fibres/flakes improved thermal shock
resistance, and resistance to
spalling
Reference : ENGINEERING MATERIALS by A.K. Bhargava
Page No : 245.
Down load link : www. Engineeringdrawingonline.com/anits
Or
www.vizagstudent.com/anits
applications, water and
marine applications,
sporting goods, air craft and
aerospace components.
Food processing equipment,
cookware, grinding wheels,
egg poachers, hot plates,
electronic housings.
Concrete dam, rod and
structures.
Refractories used in iron
and steel plants such as in
soaking pit covers, coke
oven doors, walking beam
skid insulation tile,
electronic furnace delta
section, pouring vessel
structure etc.
3
M.RajaRoy
M.E[CAD/CAM]
Asst. Professor
ANITS