Composite Materials

Abstract

There are very many situations in engineering where no single material will be suitable to meet a particular design requirement. However, two materials in combination may possess the desired properties, and provide a feasible solution to the materials-selection problem. In this chapter some of the composites in current use, and under development, will be mentioned. The principle of composite materials is not new. The use of straw in the manufacture of dried mud bricks, and the use of hair and other fibres to strengthen plasters, dates back to ancient civilisations. Also, many of the materials that have been discussed in earlier chapters could be regarded as composite in character, for example, multi-phased metals, case hardened metals, filled plastics, and concrete.