Polymer Chemistry

Applications of Composites

Composite materials are generally used for buildings, bridges, and structures such as boat hulls, swimming pool panels, racing car bodies, shower stalls, bathtubs, storage tanks, imitation granite and cultured marble sinks and countertops. They are also being increasingly used in general automotive applications. A composite material is a combination of two materials with different physical and chemical properties. When they are combined they create a material which is specialized to do a certain job, for instance to become stronger, lighter or resistant to electricity. They can also improve strength and stiffness. Composite materials are particularly attractive to aviation and aerospace applications because of their exceptional strength and stiffness-to-density ratios and superior physical properties. A composite material typically consists of relatively strong, stiff fibers in a tough resin matrix.