Composites

What is a composite

A material comprised of two or more different materials that result in a material with enhanced properties

What are the three types of composite?

fibre based, particle based, sheet based

What are the types of fibre based composite?

• Carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP)

• Glass fibre reinforced plastic (GRP)

Fibre based composites

• can be molded into complex 3d shapes with lay-up method 

• process allows for monocoque designs, not traditional 

• they are fibers mixed with polyester resin

Uses of CFRP

• bicycle frames

• tennis racquets

• helmets

what are the properties of CFRP

• corrosion resistant

• tough

• hard

• good strength to weight ratio

• good compressive strength

• low thermal expansion

Uses of GRP

• boat hulls

• sports car bodies and parts

• kayak shells

What properties does GRP have?

• lightweight

• corrosion resistant

• tough

• hard

• low thermal expansion

• good compressive strength

What are examples of particle based composites?

• Concrete

• Tungsten Carbide

What is tungsten carbide?

a mixture of ceramic and metal particles

What properties does tungsten carbide have?

• hard

• tough

• resistant to high temperatures

• corrosion resistant

Uses of tungsten carbide

Cutting tools like drill bits lathe tool tips and kitche knives

What is concrete

A mixture of aggregates, sand and cement

What properties does concrete have?

• high compression strength

• low tensile strength

• few surface defects

• easy to mold

Uses of concrete

• pathways

• beams

• driveways

Advantages of concrete

• can be molded to complex shapes

• has similar properties to stone

• good compression

Disadvantages of concrete

has poor tensile strength

Examples of sheet based composites

• aluminum composite board

• engineered wood

What is aluminium composite board?

Aluminum sheets with a polyethylene core

Uses of aluminum composite board

• Sound proofing panels in vehicles

• signage

What properties does aluminum composite board have?

• lightweight

• rigid

• tough

• malleable

• good thermal & sound insulation

• good vibration dampening

What is engineered wood also known as?

• known as glulam - glued laminated timber

• timber laminates with MF adhesive

What properties does engineered wood have?

• aesthetic

• natural alternative to reinforced concrete

• more lightweight than reinforced concrete

• fire resistant

• good structural stability

• corrosion resistant

Uses of engineered wood

• beams

• bridges

• domes

What properties does fiber cement have?

• lighter weight than reinforced concrete

• hard

• tough

• good at low temperatures in freeze situations

Uses of fiber cement

• pathways

• complex geometric shapes

• suspended floors

What properties does reinforced concrete have?

• high compression and tensile strength

• few surface defects

• fire resistant

Uses of reinforced concrete

• buildings

• retaining walls

• grid floors

What is reinforced concrete

a mixture of cement powder, sand, aggregate particles and low carbon steel rods mixed with water