The Many Uses of Composite Materials

Since time memorial, humans have an appetite to satisfy our wants and needs. It is in this clear notion that people tend not to be easily satisfied, hence, promotes innovation and discoveries in search for a better life. From mixing straw and mud to form bricks for building houses then, we started to embrace innovation at its finest and mixed steel and cement instead, to build modern houses now. The same method was used; the same synergy was applied, just totally different materials. No matter how different materials were used, the intention is to create something with the help of two effective forces from different materials. This process is the core idea behind composite materials.

As the name implies, composite materials, or composites as it is widely known, are a combination of two or more separate substance while still having their own qualities easily distinguished. These qualities become imperative and most of the time complements the other qualities where it is combined. There are usually two constituents when forming composites: the binder, which usually called the matrix; and the reinforcement. While the reinforcement serves as the backbone of the material, the matrix is the one who keeps it whole, setting it into its proper place. This way, the matrix also serves as the protector of the reinforcement to maintain its durability, versatility and strength through the continuous tests of times.

There are common uses of composite materials that may be hard for us to live without. Consider our bath room for one. If you find yourself enjoying a long shower in the bath tub made of fiber glass; your shower stalls created from the same materials; sinks and counter tops made of marble or granite. Who would have thought that even our personal hygiene is already invaded by these essential materials? If you are not yet impressed with that, then you may take a second look at this: what about the pavement you see in the road ways as you take a joy ride? Those are also formed by composites! No wonder, these materials are indispensable as it is very necessary to uplift our lives for the betterment.

As humans crave for advancement while not compromising comfort ability, the demand for composites grew even more than we could ever imagine. It has surged in popularity when the manufacturers of vehicles eked out a second choice from the usual options of steel and aluminum. Thus, composite materials found its birth as the best choice for these businessmen. In no time at all, we see these materials as significant parts of racing cars; bicycle frames; certain parts of aero space like its propellers, tails and wings; and even boat hulls. Due to its light weight quality followed by its extraordinary strength to stand against a blow of somewhat intolerable pressure, composites wowed its audience and instantly become a very important piece to create a masterpiece. Hence, it has also become readily welcomed by the sports realm. We see these materials part of some sporting goods like baseball bats and fishing rods.

Whatever field we are taking, one thing is for sure: it is that composite materials can be used any time in any way, anywhere!