VIC ADVANCED MATERIALS

What is composite?

"composite" is when two or more different materials are combined together to create a superior and unique material. This is an extremely broad definition that holds true for all composites, however, more recently the term "composite" describes reinforced plastics.

Background on Composites

Since the days of adobe, the use of composites has evolved to commonly incorporate a structural fiber and a plastic, this is known as Fiber Reinforced Plastics, or FRP for short. Like straw, the fiber provides the structure and strength to the composite, while a plastic polymer holds the fiber together. Common types of fibers used in FRP composites include:

v  Fiberglass

v  Carbon Fiber

v  Aramid Fiber

v  Boron Fiber

v  Basalt Fiber

v  Natural Fiber (Wood, Flax, Hemp, etc.)

What is the composite commonly used for

The composite material most commonly associated with the term "composite" is Fiber Reinforced Plastics. This type of composite is used extensively throughout our daily lives. Common everyday uses of fiber reinforced plastic composites include:

v  Aircraft

v  Boats and marine

v  Sporting equipment
(Golf shafts, tennis rackets, surfboards, hokey sticks, etc.)

v  Automotive components

v  Wind turbine blades

v  Body armor

v  Building materials

v  Water pipes

v  Bridges

v  Tool handles

v  Ladder rails

Advantage of Composite

v  The most important advantage of composites include:

v  Non-corrosive

v  Non-conductive

v  Flexible, will not dent

v  Low maintenance

v  Long life

v  Design flexibility

v  Suggested Reading

v  History of Composites

v  Software Used in Composites