Composites (GCSE Chemistry)

Composites

Composites

Composition of Composites

• Composites are made of 2 materials. Most composites are formed from 2 materials. One of the materials is embedded into the other.
• Reinforcement is surrounded by a binder. The two materials that a composite is made from are reinforcement and a binder. The reinforcement is fragments or fibres of material. The binder is a matrix that surrounds the reinforcement.

Examples of Composites

• What are composites? Composites are made from two types of material. The first is a matrix, or binder and the second is called the reinforcement. The matrix surrounds the reinforcement material, binding the fibres/ fragments together. A composite is stronger than each material on its own.
• Carbon fibre compounds consist of carbon fibres and polymer. Carbon fibres composites have a carbon fibre reinforcement, with a polymer matrix. They are very strong like fibreglass, but are also  extremely lightweight. This makes them ideal for making sports cars.
• Fibreglass consists of glass and polymer. The composite known as fibreglass consists of a reinforcement made from glass, with a polymer matrix. Fibreglass is very strong so can be used for boats and surfboards.
• Concrete consists of sand, gravel and cement. The composite known as concrete has a reinforcement called aggregate. This is a mixture of sand and gravel. The matrix is made up of cement. Concrete is very strong and is used in buildings.