Koostemateriaali

Koostemateriaali refers to a composite material, which is a material made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties that remain separate and distinct at the macroscopic or microscopic level within the finished structure. The goal of a composite material is to produce a material with characteristics different from its individual components. The individual components retain their identities and do not dissolve or merge completely into one another, although they may be bonded together.

Common examples of composites include reinforced concrete, where concrete's compressive strength is enhanced by the tensile strength of steel reinforcing bars, and fiberglass, where glass fibers are embedded in a polymer resin. The properties of a composite material can be tailored by selecting the appropriate constituent materials and their arrangement. This allows for the creation of materials that are stronger, lighter, more rigid, or have specific thermal or electrical properties compared to traditional monolithic materials. Applications for composite materials are widespread, found in aerospace, automotive, construction, and sporting goods industries, among others. The design and manufacturing of composites involve careful consideration of the interface between the constituent materials, as this region significantly influences the overall performance of the composite.