COMPOSITE MATERIALS

- Good strength to weight ratio

- Corrosion resistant

- Fatigue resistant

- Low thermal expansion

GLASS REINFORCED PLASTIC

- Strong, light, sanded & painted for a smooth finish, resistant to extreme temps & chemicals

- Used in boat hulls - Manufactured via lay up method, meaning complex 3D shapes such as the hull can be produced, chemical resistant so will not be affected by boat fuel

Carbon fibres are produced by heating polyacrylonitrile filaments through a range of temperatures up to 2000 degrees Celsius. 

This removes all other elements, leaving only carbon atom chains, ensuring a strong, lightweight material.

- Composites that consist solely of 2 or more differet materials, e.g cermets & concrete.

- High strength in compression, stable, uniform structure throughout ensuring consistent strength.

REINFORCED CONCRETE

- Good when subjected to compressive loads, poor when in tension.

- Reinforcing bars can be added to compensate for this.

- Moulds into complex shapes, components are more readily extracted than stone.

Manmade boards such as chipboard & MDF.

CHIPBOARD

- Strong - withstands pressure

- Aesthetically designed with altered finishes & wood like features

- Likely to crack over time because of the small particles

- Retains moisture, making it become unstable

USES: Kitchen tops - (laminated with melamine formaldehyde) & fire doors

MDF

- Strong, durable, can be fire resistant & water resistant if resins have been added

- Contains a lot of glue so may blunt tools, contains urea formaldehyde

USES: Display cabinets, wall panels & storage units