Composite Materials

This chapter deals with the mechanical behavior of composite materials that
are formed from two or more dissimilar materials, on a macroscopic scale,
where each material is continuous and homogeneous.
Common composite materials generally consist of stiff and strong fibers, such
as glass, carbon, or aramid, embedded in a softer material, such as a
thermosetting or thermoplastic polymer, known as the matrix material, or
simply, thematrix.
For example, composite materials are used in aircraft and spacecraft due to
their weight sensitive structures.

Structure of composite
materials
Matrix.
It is the volume which is hosted reinforcement, it can be distinguished by
the naked eye to be continuous. Reinforcements must be strongly bound
to the matrix, so that its strength and rigidity is transmitted to the
composite. The fracture behavior also depends on the resistance of the
interface. A weak interface results in a material with low stiffness and
strength but high resistance to fracture.
The matrices can be classified into: organic and inorganic matrices
Matrices.

Reinforcement.
The types of reinforcement can be classified into three categories: fibers,
whiskers and particles. From the standpoint of mechanical properties can be
obtained a great improvement by using continuous fibers, reinforcing in the
direction of the applied stress; whereas with whiskers and particles is
experienced decreased resistance but a great isotropy is obtained in the
material.

matrix-reinforcement interface
The interface zone is a region of varying chemical composition, where the
bond between the matrix and reinforcement, which ensures the transfer of
applied loads and conditions between the end of composites mechanical
properties occurs.

Importance of composite material

Most modern technologies require materials with an unusual
combination of properties unobtainable with metals, ceramics
and conventional polymers. This need is very evident in space,
underwater and transportation applications. In the aircraft low
density materials are requested and are strong and stiff, and
impact resistant, corrosion and abrasion. This combination of
properties is very remarkable, because often the denser materials
are most resistant also an increased resistance and stiffness,
generally results in a decrease in impact resistance. These
physicochemical characteristics desired have been achieved with
the emergence and development of compounds or composite
materials.

BIBLIOGRAFIA

Roark's Formulas for Stress and Strain, Eighth Edition

Handbook of Plastics, Elastomers, and Composites, Fourth

Edition

Design for Manufacturability Handbook, Second Edition