1.2 Classification of composites

CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic)

Lightweight, corrosion resistant, tough, hard, good compression strength, low thermal expansion. used in sports equipment such as bicycle frames, tennis racquets, fishing rods, racing car bodies and parts, helmets, prosthetics.

GRP (Glass reinforced plastics)

Lightweight, corrosion resistant, tough, hard, low thermal expansion, good compressive strength.Used in boat hulls, pond liners, kayak shells, sports car bodies and parts, locomotive train cabs.

Tungsten carbide ( A cement(mixture of ceramic and metal particles) ceramic tungsten and cobalt metal )

Hard, tough, resistant to high temperature, corrosion resistant.Used in cutting tools e.g. drill bits, lathe tool tips, router bits, kitchen knives.

Aluminium composite board (aluminium sheets with a polyethylene core)

Lightweight, rigid, tough, malleable, good thermal and sound insulation, good vibration dampening. Used in sound proofing panels in cars, building and boats, signage.

Concrete (Cement powder, sand, aggregate particles mixed with water)

High compression strength, low tensile strength, few surface defects, easy to mould. Used in pathways, beams, blocks, driveways, house foundations.

Reinforced concrete (cement powder, sand, aggregate particles and polymer or steel fibres mixed with water)

High compression and tensile strength, consistency across the structure, few surface defects, fire resistant.Used in buildings, bridge piles and bridge spans, retaining walls, grid floors.

Fibre cement (Cement powder, sand, aggregate particles and polymer or steel fibres mixed with water)

Lighter in weight than reinforced concrete, hard tough, good at low temperatures and freeze/thaw situations. Used in suspended floors, complex geometric shapes and pathways.

Engineered Wood e.g. glulam - glued laminated timber ( timber laminates and MF adhesives)

Good aesthetics, natural alternative to reinforced concretes, more lightweight than concrete alternatives, fire resistant, good structural stability, corrosion proof,Used in beams, bridges, domes, arches, decking, roof beams, rafters.