Today's KNOWLEDGE Share :The main properties of composite materials

Today's KNOWLEDGE Share

The main properties of composite materials!

As you may know, the characteristics/properties of composite materials resulting from the combination of reinforcement and matrix depend on: the proportions of reinforcements and matrix, the form of the reinforcement, and the fabrication process. 

But what are the most remarkable properties of these materials? 

- Composite materials generally possess very high specific mechanical properties.

- Composite materials do not yield: their elastic limits correspond to the rupture limit.

- Composite materials have high strength under fatigue loads.

- Composite materials age under the action of moisture and heat.

- Composite materials do not corrode, except in the case of contact aluminum with carbon fibers in which galvanic phenomenon creates rapid corrosion.

- Composite materials are not sensitive to the common chemicals used in engines: grease, oils, hydraulic liquids, paints and solvents, petroleum. However, cleaners for paint attack the epoxy resins.

- Composite materials have medium- to low-level impact resistance (inferior to that of metallic materials).

- Composite materials have excellent fire resistance as compared with the light alloys with identical thicknesses. However, the smoke emitted from the combustion of certain matrices can be toxic.

Bibliographical Reference:

Composite Materials Design and Applications - Page 16

source:managingcomposites