Chapter 5 of 10All chapters
Chapter 5 of 10
Composites
Combining to beat both.
The principle
Strong fibres carry tension while a matrix holds them in place and transfers load. The result has properties neither part has alone.
- Carbon fibre and glass fibre in resin, plywood, and reinforced concrete.
- Bone and wood are natural composites built on the same idea.
The catch
Composites are directional, hard to inspect and difficult to repair or recycle. They are chosen where the weight saving is worth those costs.