Composite Materials Composite Materials can be defined as a combination of two or more dissimilar materials having a distinct interface between

them such that the properties of the resulting materials are superior to the individual constituting components.

Composites consists of two phases i) Matrix ii) Reinforcement i) ii) Matrix : Matrix is continuous and surrounds the Reinforcement Reinforcement : Reinforcement is discontinuous

Example : Glass fibre Reinforced Plastics Matrix -> Plastics Reinforcement -> Glass fibre

Plastics : Light, durable, easy to mould and show excellent corrosion resistance. They are not strong, Stiff and dimensionally not stable for load bearing. Glass fibre : High strength, Stiffness and durability. Lack in Ductility. By proper composition and orientation of continuous fibres, It is possible to design a GRP of desired mechanical properties and functional characteristics. Reinforced phase is usually of low density, strong, stiff and thermally stable.[Metals and Ceramics] The most common fibres are high strength, high modulus Graphite, Boron and glass fibres.

Functions of matrix It takes the load and transfers it to the reinforcement. It binds or holds the reinforcement and protects the same from mechanical or chemical damage that might occur by abrasion of their surface. Matrix also separates the individual fibres and prevents brittle cracks from completely across the section of the composite.

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M.RajaRoy
M.E[CAD/CAM] Asst. Professor ANITS

Applications of Composite Materials Composite System Al/SiC whisker and /or Continuous SiC filament Properties Tensile strength and modulus of are superior to steel and aluminum, light weight, excellent high temperature capability up to about 4000C. Applications Automotive applications include engine blocks, pistons, tie rods and push rods, piston rods, frames, ship structures, light weight bridging, truck and automobile chases, etc. Medical applications include Prostheses, wheel chairs and orthofiles Sports equipments such as tennis racquets, ski poles, skis, fishing rods, golf clubs, bicycle frames and motor cycle frames Helicopter parts. Electrical conductivity, Motor brushes, cables, wear resistance and strength electrical contacts. Light weight and wear Shuttles in textile industry resistance and sports equipment High specific strength and Fan blades in turbine stiffness, elevated engines, aircraft compressor temperature stability. blades, wing boxes and other aircraft and spacecraft applications High specific strength and Aircraft semistructured and stiffness, reduced fuel non-structural parts such as consumption due to weight window reveals, ceiling saving. panels, over-head storage bins, landing gear doors etc. Specific strength and Boat hulls, sporting goods stiffness, vibrational (including tennis racquets, damping capacity, damage golf clubs shafts, hocky resistance. sticks etc) and Helmets. Light weight, resistance to Aerospace and automotive heat and environment, creep applications and sporting resistance, stiffness and goods. strength. Light weight and low cost Light weight automotive 2
M.RajaRoy
M.E[CAD/CAM] Asst. Professor ANITS

Cu/Graphite Al/Boron or Graphite Al/Borsic

Epoxy/Kevlar

Polyester/Kevlar

Polymer/Graphite fibre

Polymer/Glass fibre

Plastics/RS* Al flakes

Excellent thermal conductivity

Concrete/RS steel fibres

Refractories/RS steel fibres/flakes

Superior tensile strength, impact strength, wear resistance, and resistance to spalling Reduced brittleness, improved thermal shock resistance, and resistance to spalling

applications, water and marine applications, sporting goods, air craft and aerospace components. Food processing equipment, cookware, grinding wheels, egg poachers, hot plates, electronic housings. Concrete dam, rod and structures.

Refractories used in iron and steel plants such as in soaking pit covers, coke oven doors, walking beam skid insulation tile, electronic furnace delta section, pouring vessel structure etc.

Reference : ENGINEERING MATERIALS by A.K. Bhargava Page No : 245.

Down load link :

www. Engineeringdrawingonline.com/anits Or www.vizagstudent.com/anits

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M.RajaRoy
M.E[CAD/CAM] Asst. Professor ANITS