Kompositeja

Kompositeja refers to composite materials, which are materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties. When combined, these materials produce a substance with characteristics different from those of the individual components. Typically, one component is a matrix, which holds the other component, known as the reinforcement, in place. The reinforcement is usually in the form of fibers, particles, or flakes.

The purpose of creating composite materials is to achieve a combination of properties that cannot be obtained from any single constituent material. For instance, composites can be designed to be stronger than steel yet lighter than aluminum. This balance of properties makes them highly desirable in various industries.

Common examples of composite materials include fiberglass, which is composed of glass fibers embedded in a polymer matrix, and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), which uses carbon fibers in a polymer matrix. Wood is a natural composite material, consisting of cellulose fibers within a lignin matrix. Concrete, a widely used construction material, is also a composite, made from cement, aggregate (like sand and gravel), and water.

The applications of composite materials are extensive and include aerospace (aircraft components, spacecraft), automotive (car bodies, structural parts), construction (bridges, buildings), sporting goods (tennis rackets, skis), and marine industries (boat hulls). Their ability to be tailored for specific performance requirements makes them a versatile and increasingly important class of materials.