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What Is the Definition of Composite Materials?

What Is the Definition of Composite Materials? thumbnail
Car manufacturers use composite materials.

In the United States alone there are 5,000 to 7,000 manufacturers and distributors of composite materials, making it a large revenue industry. The majority of composite materials are reinforced plastics.

  1. Definition

    • According to the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA), composite materials are the combination of two or more materials to reinforce their properties and make them stronger together than they are apart.

    Types

    • There are two types of composite materials, those that form naturally and those that are synthetic (man-made). Wood is an example of a natural composite material, bringing together cellulose fiber and lignin.

    Composition

    • ACMA states that fiberglass makes up the composition of nearly 90 percent of composite materials, combined with either polyester or vinyl ester resin to form a reinforced plastic.

    Characteristics

    • According to ACMA, composite materials are strong, durable, lightweight, flexible and corrosion-resistant.

    Uses

    • Manufacturers use composite materials in automobiles, boats, buildings and structures, appliances, airplanes, and many other products.

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References

  • Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Daniel Cooper

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