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Composite
Composite
Advantages
High strength and stiffness
Low weight ratio
Material can be designed in addition to the structure
Applications
Straw in clay construction by Egyptians
Aerospace industry
Sporting goods
Automotive
Construction
Types of Composites
Matrix Metal Ceramic Polymer
phase/Reinforc
ement Phase
Metal Powder metallurgy Cermets (ceramic- Brake pads
parts – combining metal composite)
immiscible metals
Cermets
(1) Oxide–Based cermets
(e.g. Combination of Al2O3 with Cr)
(2) Carbide–Based Cermets
(e.g. Tungsten–carbide, titanium–carbide)
Metal–plastic particle composites
(e.g. Aluminum, iron & steel, copper particles)
Metal–in–metal Particle Composites and
Dispersion Hardened Alloys
(e.g. Ceramic–oxide particles)
C. Flake Composites - 1
1. Aluminum
2. Mica
3. Glass
C. Flake Composites -3
A laminate is a stack of
lamina arranged with their
main reinforcement in at least
two different directions.
E. Filled Composites
There are two types of filled composites. In
one, filler materials are added to a normal
composite result in strengthening the
composite and reducing weight. The second
type of filled composite consists of a skeletal
3-D matrix holding a second material. The
most widely used composites of this kind are
sandwich structures and honeycombs.
F. Combined Composites
It is possible to combine
several different materials
into a single composite. It is
also possible to combine
several different composites
into a single product. A good
example is a modern ski.
(combination of wood as
natural fiber, and layers as
laminar composites)
Forms of Reinforcement Phase
Fibers
cross-section can be circular, square or hexagonal
Diameters --> 0.0001” - 0.005 “
Lengths --> L/D ratio
100 -- for chopped fiber
much longer for continuous fiber
Particulate
small particles that impede dislocation movement (in metal
composites) and strengthens the matrix
For sizes > 1 m, strength of particle is involves in load sharing
with matrix
Flakes
flat platelet form
Fiber Reinforcement
The typical composite consists of a matrix holding
reinforcing materials. The reinforcing materials, the
most important is the fibers, supply the basic
strength of the composite. However, reinforcing
materials can contribute much more than strength.
They can conduct heat or resist chemical corrosion.
They can resist or conduct electricity. They may be
chosen for their stiffness (modulus of elasticity) or
for many other properties.
Types of Fibers
The fibers are divided into two main groups:
Glass fibers: There are many different kinds of glass,
ranging from ordinary bottle glass to high purity quartz
glass. All of these glasses can be made into fibers.
Each offers its own set of properties.
Advanced fibers: These materials offer high strength
and high stiffness at low weight. Boron, silicon,
carbide and graphite fibers are in this category. So are
the aramids, a group of plastic fibers of the polyamide
(nylon) family.
Fibers - Glass
Fiberglass properties vary somewhat according to the type of glass used.
However, glass in general has several well–known properties that contribute
to its great usefulness as a reinforcing agent:
Tensile strength
Chemical resistance
Moisture resistance
Thermal properties
Electrical properties
Boron
High stiffness, very high cost
Large diameter - 200 microns
Good compressive strength
Polyethylene - trade name: Spectra fiber
Textile industry
High strength
Extremely light weight
Low range of temperature usage
Fibers -- Others (2)
Thermosets
cure by chemical reaction
Irreversible
Examples
Polyester, vinylester
Most common, lower cost, solvent resistance
Epoxy resins
Superior performance, relatively costly
Matrices - Thermosets
Polyester
Polyesters have good mechanical properties, electrical
properties and chemical resistance. Polyesters are
amenable to multiple fabrication techniques and are low
cost.
Vinyl Esters
Vinyl Esters are similar to polyester in performance.
Vinyl esters have increased resistance to corrosive
environments as well as a high degree of moisture
resistance.
Matrices - Thermosets
Epoxy
Epoxies have improved strength and stiffness properties
over polyesters. Epoxies offer excellent corrosion
resistance and resistance to solvents and alkalis. Cure
cycles are usually longer than polyesters, however no
by-products are produced.