Composites, in the context of materials science and engineering, refer to a category of materials that are formed by combining two or more distinct components or phases with different physical or chemical properties. These components, known as constituents, work together synergistically to create a final material that possesses unique and enhanced characteristics compared to its individual components.
The constituents in composites can belong to various classes of materials, including but not limited to polymers, metals, ceramics, fibers, and fillers. Combining these constituents allows for the exploitation of the desirable properties of each component, resulting in a composite material with tailored properties that overcome the limitations of its individual constituents.
Composites can be classified based on the nature of their constituents and the arrangement of these constituents within the material. For instance, a common composite category is fiber-reinforced composites, where strong and stiff fibers, such as carbon or glass, are embedded in a matrix material, such as a polymer or metal. This combination provides high strength and stiffness while maintaining some of the lightweight characteristics of the matrix material.
Composites find applications in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, construction, and sports, due to their versatile nature and ability to meet specific performance requirements. They allow for improved durability, strength, weight reduction, corrosion resistance, thermal stability, electrical conductivity, and other desirable properties, making them valuable materials in many fields of engineering and manufacturing.
