properties of composites

composites

FAT CREC G

ability to be moulded into a variety of forms (easy manufacture)

enhanced physical & mechanical properties, improving product performance

fibre cement

Used for roofing, cladding, facades, suspended floors - cement powder, sand and aggregate particles and polymer / steel fibres

Advantages

• Durable and resistant to weathering

• Non-combustible and provides fire resistance

• Low maintenance and long-lasting

• Lighter in weight than reinforced concrete, hard, tough

Disadvantages

• Can be heavy and difficult to handle

• Requires special tools for cutting and installation

• Can be brittle under certain conditions

aluminium composite board

Used for signage, cladding, interior panels, furniture, and shop fittings - aluminium sheet with polyethylene core

Advantages

• Lightweight yet strong due to its composite structure.

• Weather-resistant and durable, making it suitable for outdoor use.

• Easy to cut, shape, and install.

• Corrosion-resistant and low maintenance.

• Available in various finishes and colours for aesthetic applications.

• Rigid, tough, malleable

Disadvantages

• Not as strong as solid aluminium or steel.

• Can be expensive compared to other panel materials.

• Not suitable for high-impact applications.

• May dent under strong force.

• Composite layers can delaminate over time if poorly manufactured.

tungsten carbide

Used for cutting tools, wear-resistant coatings, and jewellery - mixture of ceramic and metal particles

Advantages

• Extremely hard and wear-resistant.

• High melting point, suitable for high-temperature applications.

• Excellent strength and durability.

• Resistant to corrosion and chemical damage.

Disadvantages

• Brittle under extreme impact, leading to fractures.

• Expensive to manufacture.

• Heavy compared to alternative materials.

concrete

Used for construction, reinforced concrete structures, pavements - cement powder, sand and aggregate particles with water

Advantages

• Can be moulded into a variety of 3D forms

• Enhances physical and mechanical properties when reinforced

• Ease of manufacture for certain uses compared to traditional materials

• Improved product performance, especially in construction

Disadvantages

• Can be brittle if not reinforced properly

• Heavy and difficult to transport

• Requires significant curing time

reinforced concrete

Used for building foundations, bridges, tunnels, structural frames - cement with low carbon steel rods

Advantages

• Combines the compressive strength of concrete with the tensile strength of steel

• Improved durability and resistance to cracking

• Can be moulded into various shapes for different applications

Disadvantages

• More expensive due to the cost of steel reinforcement

• Heavy and difficult to transport

• Requires skilled labour for installation

engineered wood (e.g. Glulam)

Used for structural beams, bridges, roof trusses, architectural features - natural alternative to reinforced concretes

Advantages

• Strong and lightweight with high strength-to-weight ratio

• Can be customised to various shapes and sizes

• Environmentally friendly, using renewable wood resources

• More lightweight than concrete alternative

• Fire resistant, good structural stability, corrosion proof

Disadvantages

• May require chemical treatment to improve durability

• Vulnerable to moisture and pests if not treated properly

• Can be more expensive than traditional timber

Carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP)

Used for F1 cars, bicycles, tennis rackets - carbon fibres mixed with polyester resin or epoxy resin

Advantages

• Lightweight

• High tensile strength

• Durable

• Corrosion resistant

• Good electrical conductor

• Complex forms can be achieved

• Low thermal expansion

Disadvantages

• Can break/shatter

• Brittle

• Relatively expensive

Glass reinforced plastic (GRP)

Used for boat hulls, pond liners, kayak shells, sports car bodies and parts - glass fibres mixed with polyester resin

Advantages

• Good strength to weight ratio

• Good tensile strength

• Can be repaired easily (patch kits etc)

• Complex forms can be achieved

• Corrosion resistant

• Durable w good compressive strength

Disadvantages

• Brittle/can shatter easily

• Not very heat resistant