Introduction of Composites Remote centre RC1353 By K.Lakshmi Chaitanya M.Vijaya Sneha.H.Dhoria

Overview What are Composites Examples of Composites Natural Fibers Where are composites used History of Composites

What are Composites Composites are the heterogeneous material consisting of two or more constituents. The Constituents may be reinforcing fibers or Fillers and a compactable matrix A Matrix may be Metallic, Ceramic or polymeric in nature. Ref : http://training.pluscomposites.eu/courses/components

The constituents of a composite are generally arranged so that one or more discontinuous phases are embedded in a continuous phase. The discontinuous phase is termed the reinforcement and the continuous phase is the matrix. In general the reinforcements are much stronger and stiffer than the matrix.

Examples of composites Cemented carbides (WC with Co binder) Plastic molding compounds containing fillers Rubber mixed with carbon black Wood (a natural composite as distinguished from a synthesized composite)

Natural Fibers A tree is a good example of a natural composite, consisting of cellulose (the fibrous material) and lignin (a natural polymer) forming the woody cell walls.

In bone, the collagen acts like the resin and the mineral crystals act like the reinforcing fiber.

Natural fibers https://www.researchgate.net/figure/263685942_fig2_FIGURE-2-Classification-of-natural-fibers-from-Akil-et-al-50-Elsevier

Where are composites used?????? CFRP – carbon fiber reinforced composite. GFRP – glass fiber reinforced composite

Composites in industry

Advanced Aerospace Application: Boeing 767 (and in 777, 787 airplanes w/ the latest, full wing box is composite):

The first uses of composites date back to the 1500s B.C. History The first uses of composites date back to the 1500s B.C. Early Egyptians and Mesopotamian settlers used a mixture of mud and straw to create strong and durable buildings. Later, in 1200 AD, the Mongols invented the first composite bow using a combination of wood, bone, and “animal glue,” bows were pressed and wrapped.

Birth of the “Plastics Era” The modern era of composites did not begin until scientists developed plastics. Early 1900s, plastics such as vinyl, polystyrene, phenolic and polyester were developed. In 1935, Owens Corning introduced the first glass fiber, fiberglass. Fiberglass, when combined with a plastic polymer creates an incredibly strong structure that is also lightweight. This is the beginning of the Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) industry as we know it today.

Many of the greatest advancements in composites were incubated by war. WWII – Driving Early Composites Innovation Many of the greatest advancements in composites were incubated by war. World War II brought the FRP industry from the laboratory into actual production. Boats were an obvious fit for composites, and the first commercial boat hull was introduced in 1946. Brandt Goldsworthy, often referred to as the “grandfather of composites,” developed new manufacturing processes and products. Goldsworthy also invented a manufacturing process known as pultrusion. Today, products manufactured from this process include ladder rails, tool handles, pipes, arrow shafts, armor, train floors, medical devices, and more.

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