considered to be any multiphase material that exhibits a significant proportion of the properties of both constituent phases such that a better combination of properties is realized

consist of particles of one material dispersed in a matrix of a second material

the particulate phase is harder and stiffer than the matrix

particles are normally much smaller

the fillers modify or improve the properties of the material and/or replace some of the polymer volume with a less expensive material

These composites are utilized extensively as cutting tools for hardened steels.

a common large- particle composite in which both matrix and dispersed phases are ceramic materials

Composites with exceptionally high specific strengths and moduli have been produced that use low-density fiber and matrix materials.

Classification of fiber which are very thin single crystals that have extremely large length-to-diameter ratios; they are among the strongest known materials.

Classification of fiber which are either polycrystalline or amorphous and have small diameters; fibrous materials are generally either polymers or ceramics.

Classification of fiber which have relatively large diameters; typical materials include steel, molybdenum, and tungsten.

Fibers for which its length is greater than the critical length.

Discontinuous fibers for which a parallel alignment of the longitudinal axis of the fibers in a single direction.

simply a composite consisting of glass fibers, either continuous or discontinuous, contained within a polymer matrix

Currently being used extensively in sports and recreational equipment (fishing rods, golf clubs), filament-wound rocket motor cases, pressure vessels, and aircraft structural components—both military and commercial, both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters (e.g., as wing, body, stabilizer, and rudder components).

Applications of these are in ballistic products (bulletproof vests and armor), sporting goods, tires, ropes, missile cases, and pressure vessels and as a replacement for asbestos in automotive brake and clutch linings and gaskets.

These matrix materials are used primarily for glass fiber–reinforced composites.

These materials may be used at higher service temperatures than their base-metal counterparts, the reinforcement may improve specific stiffness, specific strength, abrasion resistance, creep resistance, thermal conductivity, and dimensional stability.

Matrix composites that may be fabricated using hot pressing, hot isostatic pressing, and liquid-phase sintering techniques.

One of the most advanced and promising of engineering materials.

Obtained by using two or more different kinds of fibers in a single matrix; hybrids have a better all-around combination of properties than composites containing only a single fiber type.

used for the manufacture of components having continuous lengths and a constant cross-sectional shape

The composite industry’s term for continuous-fiber reinforcement preimpregnated with a polymer resin that is only partially cured. This material is delivered in tape form to the manufacturer, which then directly molds and fully cures the product without having to add any resin.

A process by which continuous reinforcing fibers are accurately positioned in a predetermined pattern to form a hollow (usually cylindrical) shape.

Normally composed of both homogeneous and composite materials, the properties of which depend not only on the properties of the constituent materials but also on the geometrical design of the various structural elements.

Composed of two-dimensional sheets or panels that have a preferred high-strength direction such as is found in wood and continuous and aligned fiber-reinforced plastics.

consists of two outer sheets, or faces, that are separated by and adhesively bonded to a thicker core

composed of nanosized particles (or nanoparticles) that are embedded in a matrix material