Composite Materials

Why study composite materials?

Composite materials are one of the important engineering materials which are being
used widely since its discovery. This is because it reduces the cost and on the other
had enhances the property of any structure. Thus it is important for us engineers to
have a comprehensive knowledge about composite materials

Introduction
1) Composite materials are the materials which are the mixture of two or more
materials
2) The constituent materials may or may not be in the same physical state
3) It is a noted property of composite materials that they exhibit the properties which
are totally different from the properties possessed by constituent materials.
4) Most of the properties possessed by composite materials are present in the
enhanced from.
5) Examples of composite materials: -Reinforced Concrete (RCC) Bone, insulating
tape.
Definition
1) Composite materials are engineered materials having enhanced properties made
from which remain separate distinct within given material.
2) The constituent materials used for making composite materials are selected
according to the properties that the composite material should possess
3) Composite materials are having very high strength but very low weight. Thus they
find major applications in various fields of engineering for e.g.
1) Transportation
2) Agriculture
3) Aerospace etc.

Constitution of Composite Materials.

The constituents of composite materials are as follows: 1) Matrix Phase
2) Dispersed Phase
3) Interface
1) Matrix Phase
1) It is a continuous phase which surrounds dispersed phase

Functions of Matrix Phase:

1) It protects dispersed phase from surface damage
2) It binds dispersed phase together
3) Stress is transmitted and distributed to dispersed through medium of matrix phase
2) Dispersed Phase
Dispersed phase is discontinuous phase which strengthens the matrix phase.
Function:
It provides strength (reinforcement)
3) Interface
It is the boundary between the matrix phase and dispersed phase.