Composite Materials

In contrast to monolithic materials such as metals, polymers or ceramics, a composite material consists of two or more physically and/or chemically distinct phases, well-tailored or uniformly distributed for secondary phase as fillers/reinforcements within a matrix. As a result, a composite material usually has characteristics that are not depicted by any of its components in isolation. Composite materials have been well developed to meet the challenges of high-performing material properties targeting engineering and structural applications. The mechanical properties of a composite material are mainly dictated by the type, size, morphology, and content of the reinforcements as well as the nature of the matrix. For instance, in a fibre-reinforced composite, its properties are dependent upon the fibre content, length of individual fibres, fibre orientation and strength fibre-matrix interfacial bonding and fibre distribution.

The ability of composite materials to absorb stresses and dissipate strain energy is vastly superior to that of other materials such as polymers and ceramics, and thus they offer engineers many mechanical, thermal, chemical and damage-tolerance advantages with limited drawbacks such as brittleness. A material that can absorb mechanical vibrations, and yet remain stiff and lightweight, should be employed for additional applications comprising precision machine tools, quiet, vibration-free machinery and transportation equipment, industrial robots, and low-density armour. Other potential uses include automobile and aircraft engine components, rocket engine nozzles, aircraft brakes, heating-elements, and racing car brake pads and discs.

There has been an enormous amount of research papers published on composite materials over the past decade, but there have been rapid advances in this field of research in recent years in terms of the nature of fibre reinforcement, unique properties, novel micro/nanostructures, and specific new-generation applications. Composite Materials: Manufacturing, Properties and Applications presents a comprehensive review of the current-status and future directions, latest technologies and innovative work challenges and opportunities for composite materials. The chapters present latest advances and comprehensive coverage of the types, design, fabrication, modelling, properties and applications from conventional composite materials to advanced composites such as nanocomposites, self-healing and smart composites. The book targets researchers of advanced composite materials and ceramics, students of materials science and engineering at the postgraduate level, as well as material engineers and scientists working in industrial R& D sectors for composite material manufacturing.