**(i) Natural Reinforcements:**

1. **Flax Fibers:** Used in automotive interiors for its lightweight and renewable nature.

2. **Jute Fibers:** Commonly used in construction materials for its cost-effectiveness and
environmental friendliness.

3. **Bamboo Fibers:** Used in various structural applications, known for being lightweight and
environmentally sustainable.

**(ii) Advanced Reinforcements:**

1. **Carbon Fibers:** Widely used in aerospace and sports equipment for its exceptional strength and
stiffness.

2. **Aramid Fibers (e.g., Kevlar):** Used in ballistic applications, providing high tensile strength and
impact resistance.

3. **Glass Fibers:** Commonly used in boat hulls and automotive components for its cost-
effectiveness and moderate strength.

### QUESTION FOUR

#### (a) Benefits of Polymer Composite Materials (PMC)

- **Benefits:**

1. **Weight Reduction:** PMCs are significantly lighter than traditional materials, leading to improved
fuel efficiency.

2. **Corrosion Resistance:** Polymer matrices are inherently resistant to corrosion, ensuring durability
in various environments.

3. **Design Flexibility:** PMC materials can be molded into complex shapes, allowing for innovative
and efficient designs.

4. **High Strength-to-Weight Ratio:** PMCs offer a superior strength-to-weight ratio, contributing to

structural integrity.
- **Applications:**

1. **Aerospace Components:** Used in aircraft components such as wings, fuselage, and interior
components for weight reduction.

2. **Automotive Parts:** Employed in car panels, body parts, and interior components for both weight
reduction and improved performance.

3. **Sports Equipment:** Commonly used in manufacturing sports equipment such as tennis rackets,
bicycle frames, and golf clubs due to its lightweight and durable nature.

#### (b) Continuous Glass Fiber-Reinforced PMC

**(i) Modulus of Elasticity Calculation:**

- *Calculation:* The composite modulus \(E_{composite}\) can be determined using the rule of mixtures:
\(E_{composite} = V_f \times E_f + V_m \times E_m\).

**(ii) Load Carried by Each Phase:**

- *Calculation:* Apply the stress to each phase using the respective volume fractions and moduli.

**(iii) Strain Sustained by Each Phase:**

- *Calculation:* Use Hooke's Law to determine the strain in each phase.

### QUESTION FIVE

#### (a) Reasons for Glass Fibers' Common Use in Reinforcement

1. **High Strength:** Glass fibers offer high tensile strength, contributing to the overall strength of the
composite.

2. **Chemical Inertness:** Glass fibers are resistant to chemical corrosion, ensuring durability in various
environments.
3. **Cost-Effectiveness:** Glass fibers are relatively inexpensive compared to some advanced fibers,
making them economical for various applications.

4. **Availability:** Glass fibers are widely available in the market, providing accessibility for
manufacturers.

#### (b) Importance of Surface Perfection in Glass Fibers

- **Importance:**

- Ensures uniform load transfer and effective stress distribution in the composite.

- Imperfections can act as stress concentrators, leading to premature failure.

- Enhances adhesion between fibers and matrix, improving overall composite performance.

- **Protection Measures:**

1. **Sizing Treatment:** Applied to improve adhesion between fibers and matrix.

2. **Coating:** A protective coating is applied to prevent environmental degradation and enhance

durability.

#### (c) Toughening Mechanisms in Ceramic-Matrix Composites (CMC)

1. **Crack Bridging:** Reinforcing phase bridges the crack, preventing further propagation.

2. **Whisker Toughening:** Fine ceramic whiskers interrupt crack growth, enhancing toughness.

3. **Transformation Toughening:** Phase transformation absorbs energy, resisting crack propagation.

#### (d) Effect of Particulate and Fiber Reinforcement on Mechanical Properties

- **Mechanical Properties:**

1. **Particulate Reinforcement:** Particles resist deformation, enhancing hardness and wear resistance.

2. **Fiber Reinforcement:** Fibers improve tensile strength, stiffness, and impact resistance.
- **Strengthening Mechanisms:**

1. **Particulate Reinforcement:** Hinders dislocation movement, strengthening the material.

2. **Fiber Reinforcement:** Distributes stress, prevents crack propagation, and enhances overall
strength.