A composite material is a microscopic or macroscopic combination of two or

more distinct materials with a recognizable interface between them. For structural
applications, the definition can be restricted to include those materials that consist of a
reinforcing phase such as fibers or particles supported by a binder or matrix phase. Other
features of composites include the following: (1) The distribution of materials in the
composite is controlled by mechanical means; (2) The term composite is usually reserved
for materials in which distinct phases are separated on a scale larger than atomic, and in
which the composite's mechanical properties are significantly altered from those of the
constituent components; (3) The composite can be regarded as a combination of two or
more materials that are used in combination to rectify a weakness in one material by a
strength in another. (4) A recently developed concept of composites is that the composite
should not only be a combination of two materials, but the combination should have its
own distinctive properties. In terms of strength, heat resistance, or some other desired
characteristic, the composite must be better than either component alone.

Particle-reinforced composites

These are the cheapest and most widely used. They fall in two categories
depending on the size of the particles:
* large-particle composites, which act by restraining the movement of the
matrix, if well bonded.
* dispersion-strengthened composites, containing 10-100 nm particles, similar
to what was discussed under precipitation hardening. The matrix bears the major portion
of the applied load and the small particles hinder dislocation motion, limiting plastic
deformation.

A particle has no long dimension. Particle composites consist of particles of one

material dispersed in a matrix of a second material. Particles may have any shape or size,
but are generally spherical, ellipsoidal, polyhedral, or irregular in shape. They may be
added to a liquid matrix that later solidifies; grown in place by a reaction such as
agehardening; or they may be pressed together and then inter-diffused via a powder
process. The particles may be treated to be made compatible with the matrix, or they may
be incorporated without such treatment. Particles are most often used to extend the
strength or other properties of inexpensive materials by the addition of other materials.

A fiber has one long dimension. Fiber-reinforced materials are typified by

fiberglass in which there are three components: glass filaments (for mechanical strength),
a polymer matrix (to encapsulate the filaments); and a bonding agent (to bind the glass to
the polymer). Other fibers include metal, ceramics, and polymers. The fibers can be used
as continuous lengths, in staple-fiber form, or as whiskers (short, fine, perfect, or nearly
perfect single crystals). Fiber-reinforcement depends as much on fabrication procedure as
on materials.

Structural composite often begins with lay-up of prepreg. The choice of fiber will
influence the basic tensile and compressive strength and stiffness, electrical and thermal
conductivity, and thermal expansion of the final pre-preg material. The cost of the
composite is also strongly influenced by the fiber selected.

2 Subclasses of Structural Composites

Platelets or lamina have two long dimensions. Laminar composites include
plywood, which is a laminated composite of thin layers of wood in which successive
layers have different grain or fiber orientations. The result is a more-or-less isotropic
composite sheet that is weaker in any direction than it would be if the fibers were all
aligned in one direction. The stainless steel in a cooking vessel with a copper-clad bottom
provides corrosion resistance while the copper provides better heat distribution over the
base of the vessel.

A sandwich structured composite is a special class of composite materials that is

fabricated by attaching two thin but stiff skins to a lightweight but thick core. The core
material is normally low strength material, but its higher thickness provides the sandwich
composite with high bending stiffness with overall low density.
Open and closed cell structured foams like polyvinylchloride, polyurethane,
polyethylene or polystyrene foams, balsa wood, syntactic foams and honeycombs are
commonly used core materials.
Laminates of glass or carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics or mainly thermoset
polymers (unsaturated polyesters, epoxies...) are widely used as skin materials. Sheet
metal is also used as skin materials in some cases.

Fiber, also spelled fibre, is a class of materials that are continuous filaments or are in
discrete elongated pieces, similar to lengths of thread.
They are very important in the biology of both plants and animals, for holding tissues
together.
Human uses for fibers are diverse. They can be spun into filaments, string or rope, used
as a component of composite materials, or matted into sheets to make products such as
paper or felt. Fibers are often used in the manufacture of other materials. The strongest
engineering materials are generally made as fibers, for example carbon fiber and Ultra-
high-molecular-weight polyethylene.
Synthetic fibers can often be produced very cheaply and in large amounts compared to
natural fibers, but for clothing natural fibers can give some benefits, such as comfort,
over their man-made counterparts.

A metal matrix composite (MMC) is composite material with at least two constituent
parts, one being a metal. The other material may be a different metal or another material,
such as a ceramic or organic compound. When at least three materials are present, it is
called a hybrid composite.