komposiitide

Komposiidide, or composites, are materials formed from two or more distinct constituents with markedly different properties, designed to achieve characteristics that the individual components cannot achieve alone. In a typical composite, a continuous matrix binds reinforcement fibers or particles, transferring loads and protecting the reinforcement. The combination yields materials with tailored stiffness, strength, weight, and durability.

The main constituents are the matrix and the reinforcement. The matrix is usually a polymer, metal, or ceramic that holds the reinforcement in place and distributes stresses. The reinforcement provides the primary load-bearing capability and can be in the form of fibers (glass, carbon, aramid), particles, or whiskers. Additional phases or additives may modify processing or performance. Composites are broadly classified as polymer matrix composites (PMCs), metal matrix composites (MMCs), and ceramic matrix composites (CMCs).

Manufacturing methods vary and include hand lay-up, filament winding, pultrusion, resin transfer molding, compression molding, and prepreg lay-up, among others. The choice depends on geometry, performance targets, and production scale. Properties of composites are often anisotropic, meaning they vary with direction, and can be tuned by fiber orientation, volume fraction, and interfacial bonding. They typically offer high strength-to-weight ratios, good fatigue resistance, and corrosion resistance, but can be expensive and challenging to recycle.

Applications span aerospace, automotive, wind turbines, sporting goods, and civil engineering. Notable examples include carbon fiber-reinforced polymers and glass fiber-reinforced polymers, as well as reinforced concretes. The field continues to evolve with advances in materials science, manufacturing, and sustainable design.