COMPOSITE MATERIALS

OBJECTIVES

• An understanding of what are

composite materials
• What the various types of composite
materials
• Factors affecting the properties of
composite
• Advantage and Disadvantages
• Application of composite materials in
different fields
• Limitation
 INTRODUCTION

• What are composites materials?

Many materials are composites made up of at least two

constituents.
• Composites are one of the
most widely used materials
because of their adaptability
to different situations and the
relative ease of combination
with other materials to serve
specific purposes and exhibit
desirable properties.
 COMPOSITES

• Composites can be made by mixing materials

like metals, ceramics and polymers to
combine desirable properties.

• This means they can provide both strength

and lightness. Adding steel to reinforce
concrete makes extra strong building
foundations. Carbon fibre bicycle frames are
strong yet very lightweight.
 COMPOSITES

• Composites can be quite expensive

to buy.

• Key characteristics of composites

include high strength-to-weight
ratio, corrosion resistance, thermal
insulation, and the ability to be
tailored for specific applications.
 WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS TYPES OF COMPOSITES MATERIALS?

• Typically made of a matrix and

1 or more reinforcements

• They have different

compositions, shapes and
physical/chemical properties.
 WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS TYPES OF COMPOSITES MATERIALS?

MATRICES

CARBON
POLYMER METAL CERAMIC AND
Graphite
THERMOSETS GLASS
(Epoxy, Polyester)
ALLOYS CERAMICS
(Steels, Aluminiums) (Semi conductors,
Cermets)
THERMOPLASTICS
(Polystyrene, Nylons)
CEMENTS
 WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS CLASSIFICATION OF COMPOSITES MATERIALS?

Classification of composites:
• Matrices:
Organic Matrix Composites (OMCs)
Polymer Matrix Composites (PMCs)
carbon‐carbon composites
Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs)
Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs)
• Reinforcements:
Fibres reinforced composites
Laminar composites
Particulate composites
 ORGANIC/POLYMER MATRIX COMPOSITE (PMCS)

Two main kinds of polymers are thermosets and thermoplastics

• Thermosets have qualities such as a well-bonded three dimensional

molecular structure after curing. They decompose instead of melting on
hardening.
 ORGANIC/POLYMER MATRIX COMPOSITE (PMCS)

• Thermoplastics have one or two dimensional molecular structure and

they tend to at an elevated temperature and show exaggerated melting
point. Another advantage is that the process of softening at elevated
temperatures can reversed to regain its properties during cooling.
 METAL MATRIX COMPOSITE (MMCS)

• Metal matrix composites are High strength, fracture toughness and stiffness
are offered by metal matrices than those offered by their polymer counterpar
ts. They can withstand elevated temperature in corrosive environment than p
olymer composites.

• MMCs are widely used in engineering applications where the operating tem
perature lies in between 250 ºC to 750 ºC.

• Matrix materials: Steel, Aluminum, Titanium, Copper, Magnesium and Supe

r alloys
 CARBON/CARBON MATRIX COMPOSITE

• C/Cs are
developed specifically for parts that must operate in extreme temper
ature ranges. Composed of a carbon matrix reinforced with carbon
yarn fabric, 3-D woven fabric, 3-D braiding, etc.

• C/C composites meet applications ranging from rockets to aerospac

e because of their ability to maintain and even increase their structu
ral properties at extreme temperatures.
 ADVANTAGE

• Lower density (20 to 40%)

• Higher directional mechanical properties (specific tensile
• strength (ratio of material strength to density) 4 times
• greater than that of steel and aluminium.
• Higher Fatigue endurance .
• Higher toughness than ceramics and glasses.
• Versatility and tailoring by design.
• Easy to machine.
• Can combine other properties (damping, corrosion).
• Cost.
 DISADVANTAGE

• Not often environmentally friendly.

• Low recyclability.
• Cost can fluctuate.
• Can be damaged.
• Anisotropic properties.
• Matrix degrades.
• Low reusability.
TEMPERATURE RANGE FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMPOSITES
 FUNCTIONS OF A MATRIX

• Holds the fibers together.

• Protects the fibers from environment.
• Distributes the loads evenly between fibers so that all fibers are subjecte
d to the same amount of strain.
• Enhances transverse properties of a laminate.
• Improves impact and fracture resistance of a component.
• Carry inter laminar shear
 DESIRED PROPERTIES OF A MATRIX

• Reduced moisture absorption.

• Low shrinkage.
• Low coefficient of thermal expansion.
• Strength at elevated temperature (depending on application).
• Low temperature capability (depending on application).
• Excellent chemical resistance (depending on application)
 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPOSITES MATERIALS FOR REINFORCE

The arrangement of the reinforcement (distribution, size, shape, and

orientation matters)
 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPOSITES MATERIALS

The type, distribution, size, shape, orientation, and arrangement of the reinforcement will
determine the properties of the composite’s material and its anisotropy.
 FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITES

Fibers are the important class of reinforcements, as they satisfy the desired conditions and
transfer strength to the matrix constituent influencing and enhancing their properties as desired.
Random fiber (short fiber) reinforced composites Continuous fiber (long fiber) reinforced
composites
 LAMINAR COMPOSITES

Laminar composites are

found in as many combinations as the number of materials. They can be described as materials
comprising of layers of materials bonded together. These may be of several layers of two or mo
re metal materials occurring alternately or in a determined order more than once, and in as man
y numbers as required for a specific purpose.
 PARTICULATE REINFORCED COMPOSITES

Microstructures of metal
and ceramics composites, which show particles of one phase strewn in the other, are known as
particle reinforced composites. Square, triangular and round shapes of reinforcement are know
n, but the dimensions of all their sides are observed to be more or less equal. The size and volu
me concentration of the dispersed distinguishes it from dispersion hardened materials.
 FLAKE COMPOSITES

Flakes are often

used in place of fibers as can be densely packed. Metal flakes that are in close contact with eac
h other in polymer matrices can conduct electricity or heat, while mica flakes and glass can resi
st both. Flakes are not expensive to produce and usually cost less than fibers
 FILLED COMPOSITES

Fillers may be
the main ingredient or an additional one in a composite. The filler particles may be irregular str
uctures, or have precise geometrical shapes like polyhedrons, short fibers or spheres.
 MICROSPHERES

• Microspheres are considered

to be some of the most useful fillers. Their specific gravity, stable particle si
ze, strength and controlled density to modify products without compromisi
ng on profitability or physical properties are it’s their most-sought after asse
ts.
• Solid Microspheres have relatively low density, and therefore, influence the
commercial value and weight of the finished product. Studies have indicate
d that their inherent strength is carried over to the finished molded part of w
hich they form a constituent.
• Hollow microspheres are essentially silicate based, made at controlled speci
 FACTORS AFFECTING PROPERTIES OF COMPOSITES

The type, distribution, size, shape, orientation and arrangement of the reinforcement will affect
the properties of the composites material and its anisotropy Distribution Concentration Orienta
tion Shape Size
 LIMITATIONS

• High cost of raw materials and fabrication. 

• Composites are more brittle than wrought metals and thus are more
easily damaged.
• Transverse properties may be weak. 
• Matrix is weak, therefore, low toughness. 
• Reuse and disposal may be difficult. 
• Difficult to attach. 
• Difficulty with analysis 
• Cost can fluctuate
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SMART AND COMPOSITE MATERIALS

Smart materials have

multiple functions, which generally include sensor/actuator ability in a
ddition to having form, or being able to support at least some structural
weight. The classic example is Nitinol, which is a Nikcle-Titanium all
ow. After mechanical deformation (for example, bending), it can be hea
ted up and will return to the pre-deformed structural shape

Composites are materials that are combinations of at least two different

materials, which allow the engineering of desired properties (like tailo
 CIVIL ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

1.SMART CONCRETE Unlike conventional concrete, the smart

concrete has higher potential and enhanced strength. Smart concrete
can be prepared by adding carbon fibers for use in electromagnetic
shielding and for enhanced electrical conductivity of concrete. Smart
concrete under loading and unloading process will loose and regain its
conductivity, thus serving as a structural material as well as a sensor.
Smart concrete plays a vital role in the construction of road pavements
as a traffic-sensing recorder, and also melts ice on highways and
airfields during snowfall in winter season by passing low voltage
current through it
 CIVIL ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

2.
REHABILITATION AND RETROFIT In these cases the materials are usually bonded ex
ternally to the structure in the form of tows (fiber bundles), fabrics, plates, stirrups and ja
ckets. The advantages offered by composites in these forms include their ability to bond
well to many substrate materials and to follow complex shapes

3. ADVANCED COMPOSITE MATERIALS FOR HIGHWAY BRIDGES

 CIVIL ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

3. ADVANCED COMPOSITE MATERIALS FOR HIGHWAY BRIDGES

• Use of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) straight and draped
tendons for pre stressing four, 31.2 meter span girders.
• Use of CFRP stirrups for shear reinforcements of two main girders.
Use of CFRP for the deck slab.
• Use of glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcements for the
bridge curbs.
• Use of 64 fiber optic sensors and 16 conventional electric resistance
strain gauges to monitor the bridge from a central monitoring station
remote from the bridge
 CIVIL ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

4.
ROAD BRIDGES The Fiber-line Bridge, Kolding,
Denmark was designed by the Danish engineering
Company, Ramboll using the pultruded profiles. T
he 40-m (131-ft.) long, 3-m (9.8-ft.) wide crossing
carries pedestrians, bicycles and motorbikes over a
previously dangerous set of railroad tracks.

5.
FRP DOORS AND DOOR FRAMES The doors m
ade of FRP skins, sandwiched with core materials s
uch as rigid polyurethane foam, expanded polystyr
ene, paper honeycomb; jute/coir felt etc. can have
 CIVIL ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

6. THE TRAIN MADE UP OF FRP COMPOSITES Composite materials are increasingly being
used in the Railway industry, Weight saving of up to 50% for structural and 75% for non-
structural applications bring in associated benefits of high- speed, reduced power consumption,
lower inertial, less track wear and the ability to carry greater pay-loads. Now, more and more
parts are made of GFRP, which also resists corrosion and has excellent workability.
 CIVIL ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

• Built on a Golf Course

• World’s first cable-stayed footbridge
• Constructed in 1992
• 113m long with 63m main span
• All composite materials used for construction of this bridge
 COMMON APPLICATIONS OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

AEROSPACE AUTOMOTIVE ENERGY MEDICAL

Composites are Composites are Composites are Composite

widely used in increasingly essential for the materials are used
aircraft, rockets, being used in construction of in prosthetic
and satellites due vehicle wind turbine limbs, implants,
to their high components, such blades, providing and various
strength, low as body panels, strength, medical devices
weight, and chassis, and durability, and due to their
corrosion suspension parts, lightweight biocompatibility
resistance. to improve fuel design. and
efficiency. customizability.
 MANUFACTURING PROCESSES OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

MOLDING
Composites can be manufactured using various LAYUP
molding techniques, such as compression In this process, layers of reinforcing
molding, injection molding, and resin transfer fibers or fabrics are arranged in a
molding. mold and impregnated with a matrix
material.

PULTRUSION
This continuous process involves pulling
reinforcing fibers through a resin bath and
then through a heated die to produce
constant-cross-section composite parts.
 CONCLUSION

• Several innovative FRP systems have been presented showing the different advantages that

each of them can provide to designers and contractors involved in these types of upgrade.
• Fiber reinforced composite plate bonding offers significant advantages over steel plate bonding

for the vast majority of strengthening applications

• The potential future benefits of smart materials, structures and systems would prove amazing

in their scope.
• A smart structure has the capacity to respond to a changing external environment such as

loads, temperatures and shape change, as well as to varying internal environment.

 GROUP 04 (THANKYOU)

Dale Albert Ezekiel Isiah James Kian Jierry Mia Amor

Del Mundo Capito Alidio Obdin Landicho

Miguelle Melrich Joseph Vhince Jennilyn John Kenneth

Madara Mallonga Mangune Javier Bernal