College of Engineering and Architecture

Mechanical Engineering Department

A.Y 2023 – 2024

Composite Materials

Submitted by:
Camay, Glover

Section:
CEA_ME_2A_2

Submitted to:
Engr. Dennis E. Ganas
 I. Introduction

A composite material is composed of two or more distinct substances with

varying chemical and physical properties. This combination aims to enhance the
characteristics of the base materials. Composites provide notable advantages in
various performance aspects, surpassing single-material alternatives and the
individual use of their components. Typically, man-made composites integrate high
tensile fibers, which are flexible, with a matrix that shapes the fibers into a solid
structure, inheriting the matrix material's compressive strength. Consequently, the
resulting composite material capitalizes on the tensile strength of the reinforcing
fibers, the compressive strength of the matrix, and the combined bending strength,
yielding a robust, stiff, and bend-resistant material.

Composite materials combine two or more different substances to create a

product that exhibits the beneficial properties of each component. These
components are usually known as the matrix, which acts as the bonding agent, and
the reinforcement, which is often a fibrous material. Matrices are commonly
polymers, but can also be ceramics or metals. The reinforcement is typically made
from fibrous materials such as carbon, glass, or Kevlar fibers, filaments, or whiskers,
although natural fibers are also frequently used in composites.

II. Body

As the name implies, composite materials are created by blending two or more
different types of materials. These constituent materials each impart their unique
characteristics to the composite, thereby improving its overall functional properties.
Every composite material features a distinct set of properties, which can be generally
classified into five categories.
Categories of Composite Materials:

1. Mechanical Properties of Composite Materials

Mechanical properties of a material determine how it responds to
applied forces, such as tension, compression, and shear. In the case of
composite materials:
 Tensile Strength: Describes the resistance to breaking under
tension. It is often higher in composite materials than in their
individual components.
 Hardness: Measures a material's resistance to permanent shape
change when a force is applied.
 Toughness: The ability to absorb energy and plastically deform
without fracturing.

2. Chemical Properties of Composite Materials

Chemical properties refer to a material's stability and reactivity with
other substances. For composite materials, some important chemical
properties include:
 Corrosion Resistance: How well the composite can withstand
reaction with surrounding elements.
 Chemical Stability: The ability of composites to maintain their
properties even in the presence of chemical reagents.

3. Electrical Properties of Composite Materials

The electrical properties of composite materials describe their
behaviour under the influence of an electric field. Key electrical
properties include:
 Dieletric Strength: Refers to a material's resistance to break
down when subjected to a high voltage.
 4. Thermal Properties of Composite Materials
Thermal properties of composite materials refer to how these
materials respond to changes in temperature.
 Thermal Expansion: How much a material expands or
contracts with temperature changes.
 Thermal Conductivity: The ability of a material to conduct
heat.

5. Fatigue Properties of Composite Materials

Last but not least, the fatigue properties of composite materials
describe their ability to withstand repeated loading over time.
Noteworthy characteristics include:
 Fatigue Life: How long a material can endure cyclic stress
before failure.
 Fatigue Strength: The highest stress a material can survive for
a given number of cycles without breaking.

Apart from the properties mentioned, composite materials can exhibit other
interesting traits, such as magnetism and radiation resistance, based on the types of
materials combined and the method of their combination. In essence, the versatility
of composite materials stems from an ability to choose and manipulate their
properties according to specific applications.

Types of Composite Material

Composite materials, as the name suggests, combine different materials to

produce enhanced properties. These materials fall into the following categories:

1. Nanocomposites: Nanocomposites can be both man-made and natural,

utilizing nanomaterials like carbon nanotubes or graphene in a polymer matrix
or silicon nanoparticles in steel. These nanomaterials improve strength,
 stiffness, and conductivity. Examples include bone and shell. Manufacturing
challenges arise due to health risks.
2. Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs): MMCs use metals like aluminum or
magnesium with reinforcements like carbon fiber or silicon carbide particles,
enhancing strength, stiffness, temperature resistance, and wear resistance.
They are employed in aerospace, automotive, electronics, and medical
devices, though processing is complex due to high temperatures and
uniformity issues.
3. Polymer Matrix Composites (PMCs): PMCs, the most common
composites, involve carbon or glass fibers with epoxies or polyester resins.
They offer high strength and stiffness, thermal and chemical resistance, and
are widely used in aerospace, automotive, marine, and sporting goods.
Production requires skilled labor and precise curing.
4. Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers (GFRPs): GFRPs are a type of PMC
using glass fibers with epoxy or polyester resins. Fibers can be in chopped
strands or woven roving, providing varying degrees of strength and suitability
for bulk components. They are cost-effective but less strong compared to
other composites.
5. Hybrid Composites: Hybrid composites combine different reinforcing fibers,
such as glass and carbon, to improve impact resistance or cosmetic qualities.
Common in high-strength applications, they require extensive testing for
compatibility and performance.
6. Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs): CMCs feature ceramic matrices
reinforced with fibers like silicon carbide or alumina. They offer high
temperature and corrosion resistance but are inherently brittle. Used in gas
turbines, aerospace components, and heat exchangers, they are costly and
still quite brittle despite ongoing research.
7. Natural Fiber Composites (NFCs): NFCs use natural fibers like jute, flax,
cotton, and wood to reduce environmental impact. Common in automotive
interiors, prototyping filaments, and sporting goods, these composites
 combine natural fibers with resins to enhance strength and create a wood-like
appearance.

8. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRPs): CFRPs, a type of PMC, use

carbon fibers with epoxy or polyester resins. Used in aerospace, automotive,
and sporting goods, they offer high strength and stiffness. Manufacturing
involves processes like hand lay-up and pultrusion, requiring precise control.
9. Aramid Fiber Reinforced Polymers (AFRPs): AFRPs use aramid fibers
with epoxy or polyester resins for high-impact applications. Aramid
honeycomb materials are common in aviation flooring, layered with aluminum
sheets and epoxy bonded, offering a high-value hybrid composite.
10. Functionally Graded Composites (FGCs): FGCs have varied constituent
properties throughout their structure for performance tuning, avoiding stress
concentrations. Used in aerospace and biomedical devices, they allow gradual
transitions in properties, enhancing resilience and performance.

Examples of Composite Materials:

There are hundreds of composite materials in daily use. These are some examples:

1. Glass-reinforced polyester resin.

2. Epoxy-bonded carbon fiber.

3. Plywood in all its forms.

4. Ferroconcrete.

5. Glass-reinforced ABS, PEEK, nylon.

6. AeroBASE.
 7. Plastic molded over a metal structure for comfort/aesthetics.

Different Applications of Composite Materials:

Listed below are some applications of composite materials:

1. Motorcycle fairings, kayaks, boat hulls, and aircraft skins

2. Epoxy-bonded carbon fiber in fishing rods
3. Plywood for construction
4. Ferroconcrete for construction
5. Glass-reinforced plastic for high-strength molding
6. Aircraft flooring, sandwiching paper honeycomb between two aluminum
sheets
7. Spectacle frames (often mold plastic over a metal structure)

III. Conclusion

Composite materials are crucial in contemporary engineering and manufacturing

due to their unique combination of properties and wide-ranging applications. By
merging different materials, composites harness the strengths of each component,
resulting in enhanced overall properties such as high strength, stiffness, and low
weight. This makes them especially valuable in industries where performance and
efficiency are paramount, such as aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment.
Their lightweight nature contributes to better fuel efficiency and performance, while
their high strength-to-weight ratio makes them ideal for structural applications.
Additionally, composites offer excellent corrosion resistance, extending their lifespan
and reducing maintenance costs, which is particularly advantageous in marine and
infrastructure settings. The flexibility in design afforded by composites allows for the
creation of complex shapes and innovative solutions that are difficult to achieve with
traditional materials.
 Moreover, they can be engineered for specific thermal or electrical conductivity,
making them suitable for electronics and high-temperature environments. The
fatigue resistance of composites ensures durability under repeated stress, which is
vital for aircraft and automotive components. Furthermore, composites can be
tailored to meet specific application requirements, enhancing their versatility.
Advancements in natural fiber composites and recycling efforts also promote
sustainability, reducing the environmental impact of material production and
disposal. Despite the higher initial costs, the long-term benefits, such as reduced
maintenance and longer service life, often lead to overall cost savings, underscoring
the economic efficiency of composites. Thus, composite materials play a pivotal role
in driving technological advancements and improving performance across a myriad
of industries.
References:

Xometry, T. (2023, May 16). What is Composite Material? Definition, Properties,

Types, and Applications.
Xometry. https://www.xometry.com/resources/3d-printing/composite/

Properties of Composite Materials: Stiffness, Tensile Strength . (n.d.). StudySmarter

UK. https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/engineering/materials-
engineering/properties-of-composite-materials/