Name: De Lara, Angelyn R.

Course: CHE-217
Dimaporo, Sittie Ayenah D. Date submitted: July 22,2020

An Overview Of Composite Materials

I.INTRODUCTION

A composite material is a combination of two or more materials having significantly different

physical or chemical properties resulting in better properties than those of the individual components. The

constituents retain their identities in the composite; that is they do not dissolve or merge completely into

each other even though they act in concert. Composites are also one of the most widely used materials

because of their adaptability to different situations and the relative ease of combination with other

materials to serve specific purposes and exhibit desirable properties.

Composites also exist in nature. Wood is a composite which is made from long cellulose fibers

combined together by a much weaker substance called lignin. Cellulose is also found in cotton but

without the other material, the cotton remains soft and weaker. Another example of natural composites is

the bones in a human body. It is made from a hard but brittle material called hydroxyapatite and a soft and

flexible material called collagen. Collagen on its own would not be much use in the skeleton but if it's

combined with hydroxyapatite, it can give the bone the properties that are needed to support the human

body.

People have been making composites for many thousands of years. One early example is mud

bricks. Mud can be dried out into a brick shape to give a building material. It is strong but it breaks quite

easily. Straw seems very strong if stretched, but crumples up easily. By mixing mud and straw together it

is possible to make bricks that are resistant to both squeezing and tearing and make excellent building

blocks. Another ancient composite is concrete. Concrete is a mix of aggregate, cement and sand. It has

good compressive strength.

II. STRUCTURE

Composites are combinations of two materials in which one of the materials is called the reinforcing

phase and the other material called the matrix phase. The constituents of composites are:

● Primary phase or the Matrix phase. Usually more ductile and less hard phase. It holds the

second phase and shares a load with it. It also provides the bulk form of the part or product made

of the composite material. The matrix phase holds the embedded phase in place, usually

enclosing and often concealing it. When a load is applied, the matrix shares the load with the

secondary phase, in some cases deforming so that the stress is essentially born by the reinforcing

agent.

● Secondary phase or the Reinforcement phase. Its function is to reinforce the primary phase. It

also takes the form of an infiltrated phase in a skeletal or porous matrix. Reinforcement phase is

most commonly one of the following shapes: fibers, particles, or flakes.

Other composite structures are the laminar composite structure, sandwich structure, and honeycomb

sandwich structure.

● Laminar composite structure. Two or more layers bonded together in an integral piece.

Other laminar composites are

1. FRPs- multi layered, fiber-reinforced plastic panels for aircraft, boat hulks, and

other products

2. Printed circuit boards- layers of reinforced copper and plastic for electrical

conductivity and insulation

3. Snow skis- layers of metals, particle board, and phenolic plastic

4. Windshield glass- two layers of glass on either side of a sheet of tough plastic

● Foam core sandwich structure. Relatively thick core of low density foam bonded on both faces

to a thin sheet of a different material.

 ● Honeycomb core sandwich structure. Achieve high ratios of strength-to-weight and stiffness-

to-weight.

III. PROPERTIES

● Fire resistance. The use of phenolic resins allowed composites to withstand fire.

● Electrical properties. Composites are highly insulating materials because of their structure

which does not allow electricity to pass through.

● High strength to weight ratio. Composites have the applications in the field where high strength

and lightweight together are required.

● Light weight. Due to the combination of two different materials having different properties,

composites are lightweight.

● Chemical and weather resistant. Composite products have good weathering properties and

resist the attack of a wide range of chemicals. This depends on the resin used in manufacturing.

● Translucency. Some composites have the quality jto allow light to pass diffusely.

● Thermal conductivity. Composites have low thermal conductivity because they have a structure

that cannot conduct heat properly.

IV. TECHNOLOGIES INVOLVED

● Commercial and residential construction. Entire homes can be framed using plastic laminated

beams and trusses instead of traditional wood framing. By coating the beams with plastic,

manufacturers reduce the risk of rot or termite damage, which extends the life expectancy of the

structure.

● Aerospace industry. Composites have exceptional strength and stiffness-to-density ratios to be

used in aerospace applications. Composites are lightweight and overcome the barriers created by

using metals.
 ● Air industry. Modern aircraft would be much less efficient if composite weren't available.

Composites like fiberglass-reinforced aluminum or carbon fiber create materials light enough to

fly, but strong enough to handle the pressure of high altitudes and frequent abuse.

● Military. Carbon-based composite fibers are often used to make bulletproof vests and other

ballistic protection devices. These fibers produce lightweight body armor options that offer

effective protection from bullets, flames and some explosives. One example is Kevlar. Kevlar is

five times stronger than steel and yet only half as dense as fiberglass. Kevlar saved thousands of

lives and revolutionized protective gear for lawn enforcement and military personnel.

● Sports. Other sports equipment such as skis and surfboards contain composite to add flexibility

while maintaining durability.

● Marine transportation. Composites reduce maintenance and offer superior performance when it

comes to manufacturing boats. It uses fiberglass or thermoplastics to avoid rotting and warping

over time. It is also lightweight enough to stay afloat, yet strong enough to resist punctures and

cracking.

● Automotive. Composites enable lighter vehicles and are more fuel efficient.

● Energy. Composites redefine the energy industry. Composites enable the use of wind and solar

power and improve the efficiency of traditional energy suppliers.

● Infrastructure. Composites are used to construct and repair a wide variety of infrastructure

applications, from buildings and bridges to roads and railways.

● Pipe and tank. Fiber-reinforced polymer composite pipes are used for everything from sewer

upgrades and wastewater projects to desalination, oil and gas applications.

V. HEAT TREATMENT

Different types of composite materials vary on a case by case basis when subjected to heat

treatment. A few scientific studies conducted on specific composite materials relative to the application of

heat treatment are as indicated.

 ● Composite resin. In the heat treatment, the flexural strength of direct composites was affected

although there was no observation for hardness. Direct composites containing a simple post-cure

heat treatment can be a probable alternative for current indirect composite systems, although in

order to verify other properties of composites for this appeal, further studies are to be made.

● PTFE/PMMA composites. Under different heat treatments, the thermal properties of the

PTFE/PMMA composites significantly increased. There was a change in the friction coefficient,

but there was also a significant decrease in the wear rate. Additionally, the main wear

mechanisms of the composite were fatigue wear and abrasive wear with a minor adhesive wear.

● Al-Si composites. Due to heat treatment, there is an increase of 56% in 0.2% proof stress value,

and an increase of 38% in the hardness. At peak age temperature, a change of 36% in the tensile

strength was observed. The impact strength remains nearly constant as the aging temperature

increases. Particle decohesion and fracture both arise simultaneously, wherein the composite is

fracturing under brittle fracture.

● Aluminum LM13 – MgOp Metal Matrix Composites. The formation of Aluminum LM13

composites were established with uniform scattering of MgO particles. As the substance of MgO

particles expanded, the hardness of the composites generally expanded as well. Heat treatment

significantly affects Brittle hardness of Aluminum LM13 alloy and its composites. The matrix

alloy and its composites attained its greatest hardness under ice extinguishing by maturing for a

certain amount of time.

● Carbon−Carbon Composites. Upon heat treatment, PAN-based carbon fibers exhibited

contraction of diameters and elongation of length, a degradation of the tensile strength of the fiber

was observed that decreased the tensile strength of the C–Cs as a result. A decrease in the

interfacial strength between the fiber and the matrix occurred with an increased HTT.

VI. CORROSION ASPECTS

Majority of composite materials do not rust or corrode. One of the most common examples are

glass fiber reinforced polymer ductwork (FRP) subjected under harsh chemical environments that would
last roughly for 25 years. Composites provide corrosion-resistant solutions for industries like air pollution

control, chemical processing, desalination, food and beverage, mineral processing and mining, oil and

gas, pulp and paper, solid waste landfill and water and wastewater treatment. The preferred resin and

reinforcement used within the composite determines its corrosion resistance. Most resin systems are

available, but reinforcements are limited, which both offer long-term resistance to varying chemical and

temperature environments. A suitably constructed composites deliver the least maintenance with a long-

life service.

Most resins are designed to provide corrosion resistance and protect the fibers in composites. It

can also offer protection against specific conditions such as caustic solutions, acidic environments,

alkaline environments, oxidizing chemicals and high temperatures. Isophthalic resins along with epoxy

vinyl ester resins are commonly used today. The role of reinforcements in corrosion resistance is also

vital in the laminate of specific areas in a composite structure. It provides strength for a composite and

heat resistance or conduction, resistance to corrosion and provides rigidity.

VII. CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPOSITES

A. The first level of classification is with respect to the matrix constituent. Major composite classes

include Organic Matrix Composites (OMCs), Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) and Ceramic

Matrix Composites (CMCs).

● Organic Matrix Composites (OMCs).This composite material consists of asphalt

concrete, polymer concrete, mastic asphalt, mastic roller hybrid, dental composite,

syntactic foam and mother of pearl.Two classes of composites in OMC’s are generally

assumed as its constitutes, particularly Polymer Matrix Composites (PMCs) and carbon

matrix composites or carbon-carbon composites.

● Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs).This class of composite material consists of a

metallic alloy matrix; aluminum, magnesium, copper, titanium, which is commonly

augmented in the form of particles of a ceramic phase. MMCs provide high thermal and
 electrical conductivity, good resistance to harsh environments, good impact and erosion

resistance and good fatigue and fracture properties.

● Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs).This material consists of particulates, fibers, or

whiskers of ceramic material ingrained in a matrix of another ceramic. CMCs manifest

enhanced high temperature creep behavior and resistance to thermal shock. It can be used

in the components of automobile and aircraft gas turbine engines for some CMCs.

B. The second level of classification is with reference to reinforcement forms such as fibre

reinforced composites, laminar composites and particulate composites.

● Fiber reinforced composites. Composed of fibers enclosed by matrix materials. For

composite properties of such composite that are dependent on the length of the fiber, it is

categorized as a discontinuous fiber composite. On the other hand, when an increase in

fiber length does not lead to the increase of elastic modulus of the composite, it is

considered as a continuous fiber reinforced. The fibers have efficient tensile properties

but due to their low measurement in diameter, it can twist, bend, or buckle when pressed

axially, which would require reinforcement to prevent such irregularity.

● Laminar composite. It is made up of material layers that are stacked or cemented

together by the matrix in such a way that the direction of the high strength varies with

each succeeding layer. The properties of this composite are dependent on the properties

of its constituents & geometrical design. In this composite category, sandwich structures

are the most common example.

● Particulate composites. Consist of particles that can be either in flakes or powdered,

where it is dispersed or embedded in a binding matrix. The response of a particulate

composite can be either anisotropic or orthotropic. When such a composite is utilized, it

is used for designs 2that do not require strength as a factor.

VIII. ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS

A. Advantages

1. Composites are lighter in terms of weight than most metals which in effect provides

better fuel efficiency in aircrafts.

2. It exudes an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, which means that it is a material designed

to be light yet strong.

3. It resists corrosion and damage from different harsh environments, and extreme changes

in temperature.

4. It is flexible in terms of design, which can be shaped into complicated figures or form

than other materials.

5. It provides dimensional stability in which it can preserve its size and shape when

subjected to a change in temperature and moisture in the atmosphere.

6. It has a property that allows radar signals to pass through the material.

7. Composite materials are durable and low maintenance.

B. Limitations

1. Its layers on a laminate structure can delaminate when it becomes weak .

2. It is high cost because the labor in the process of fabrication is rigorous and complex.

3. Cracks or delimitation on the material requires intricate damage inspection.

4. Composite and metal joining are likely to fail because metals tend to expand and contract

more than composites when subjected to different temperatures.

VIIII. REFERENCES

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ed.org/EducationResources/CommunityCollege/Materials/Structure/composite.htm

3. Composite Structures. (n.d.). NDT Research Center. https://www.nde-

ed.org/EducationResources/CommunityCollege/Materials/Structure/composite.htm

4. Composite Materials. (n.d.-b). Wiley Online Library.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/cookieAbsent

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