Study of “Composite Materials” is a major area of study for Metallurgical, Civil, Mechanical and Chemical Engineering.
What are composite materials in a nutshell?
Composite materials are basically formed when two or more materials are bound together to form a superior, stronger material with vastly different characteristics to the original ones.
The unique qualities of composite materials lie in the fact that the best qualities of each original material is brought together, one working as a matrix while the other(s) work as a filler.
The original materials are not mixed or blended but rather sandwiched meaning that when put under a microscope, each material can be separately identified. Imagine a plastic and carbon/fibreglass sandwich!
Why do we use composite materials?
There are many benefits of using composite materials, evident in the fact that humans have done so in one form or another throughout history.
Composite materials can refer to any mixed materials but nowadays we are generally referring to plastics with fibreglass and or carbon.
The general qualities include:
- A unique combination of increased strength and reduced weight. This has huge benefits for the environment, sustainability, cost effectiveness, safety and much more. Carbon fibres alone are three times stronger than steel!
- Non-corrosive materials meaning that there is a much increased lifespan with enduring strength and a reduced need for upkeep and ongoing maintenance. Again; very efficient and cost effective. Brilliant for all outdoor equipment and especially ships and boats.
- Great potential for elasticity in fibre reinforced composites. This elasticity reduces the risk of dents and general damage from knocks, crashes, twists or bends. Composite generally reform their original shape rather than denting therefore maintaining their original strength and durability.
- Composites can also be made to be non-conductive when required. This is imperative for equipment that is used near electric wires, lines and stations. Use a fibreglass ladder and you eradicate the fear of electrocution. Phew!
Composite materials of the future:
We have already mentioned, composite materials come in many forms. So we should know what is the future of composite materials?
One type to keep your eye on and ears open about is the new all singing, all dancing graphene. These composites are believed to have a range of very unique qualities.
Graphene is actually incredibly simple. It is made up of graphite and perfectly distributed carbon in a pattern of hexagonal shapes.
The benefits of graphene include:
- The ability to conduct electricity when required
- A massive two hundred times stronger than steel
- Six times lighter than steel
- The ability to absorb just 2% of light
- Permeable to gas
- Waterproof
- The surface can be altered by adding other materials depending on its use and purpose
- The possibility to reduce the impact of lightning on aircraft fuselage.
You can’t say fairer than that!
As always, there are critics who are skeptical about graphene and its potential. They understandably worried that its two dimensional qualities would mean it lacked the necessary strength of a composite material. This particular fear has been proven to be unfounded because the crystals actually grow in a three dimensional space with slight surface fluctuations, meaning that the crystals can support each other without ever having to interact.
The success of graphene has opened up the possible potential of other two dimensional materials. Who knows where that could lead.
The potential of graphene:
Graphene has a potential future in:
- Touchscreens/flatscreens
- Aircraft fuselages
- Ships, boats and submarines
- Hydrogen reservoirs
Finally, an interesting point to end on!
Graphene’s potential hasn’t gone unnoticed by the big fish. There has been such a buzz about graphene that even Bill Gates has shown an interest. He has invested in the development of graphene condoms with the notion and hope that the graphene with its unique, nearly two dimensional qualities can be used to create a super-slim, super-strong, super -sensitive, superior product thus encouraging more people to use condoms worldwide with the desired benefits of preventing STI’s and unplanned pregnancies. Research and work towards the development of these super condoms is ongoing so watch this space.
So, in a nutshell the possibilities of composite materials are endless and the future is very exciting!
This is a guest post by Marc Osborne
Author Bio:
Marc Osborne is an accomplished content writer in the area of mechanical engineering and specialises in the subject of composite materials. Marc works for Tufcot Engineering Ltd who are one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of composite materials. Many of the articles Marc writes aim to inform, educate and engage. There is simply not enough clarity on many engineering subjects so we hope we can go some of the way in helping people through the minefield.
For more information, please feel free to contact Marc at marc.osborne@tufcot.co.uk or to visit the company website at www.tufcot.com