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

• cement powder, sand and aggregate particles and polymer / steel fibres

• lighter in weight than reinforced concrete, hard, tough

• good at low temperatures

• used for suspended floors, complex geometric shapes, pathways

aluminium composite board

• aluminium sheet with polyethylene core

• lightweight, rigid, tough, malleable

• good thermal and sound insulation, good vibration damping

• used for sound proofing panels in cars, buildings and boats, signage

tungsten carbide

• mixture of ceramic and metal particles

• hard, tough, resistant to high temperatures, corrosion resistance

• used for cutting tools, lathe tool tips, router bits, kitchen knives

concrete

• cement powder, sand and aggregate particles with water

• high compressive strength, low tensile strength, few surface defects, easy to mould

• used for pathways, beams, blocks, driveways, house foundations

reinforced concrete

• cement with low carbon steel rods

• high compression and tensile strength, consistency across the structure, few surface defects, fire resistant

• used for buildings, bridge piles and bridge spans, retaining walls, grid floors

engineered wood

• good aesthetics, natural alternative to reinforced concretes, more lightweight than concrete alternative

• fire resistant, good structural stability, corrosion proof

• used for beams, bridges, domes, arches, decking, roof beams rafters

CFRP

• carbon fibres mixed with polyester resin or epoxy resin

• lightweight, corrosion resistant, tough, rigid, irreparable

• hard, good compressive strength, low thermal expansion

• used for sports equipment such as bicycle frames, tennis racquets, fishing rods, racing car bodies and parts

GRP

• glass fibres mixed with polyester resin

• lightweight, flexible, corrosion resistant, tough, hard

• low thermal expansion, good compressive strength

• used for boat hulls, pond liners, kayak shells, sports car bodies and parts