Benefits of Composites |
The numerous features of composite materials
have led to the widespread adoption and use through many different
industries. It is because of these unique features of composites that
people benefit. Below are some of the most important features of
composites, and the benefits they provide Composites
are incredibly lightweight, especially in comparison to materials like
concrete, metal, and wood. Often a composite structure will weigh 1/4
that of a steel structure with the same strength. That means, a car made
from composites can weigh 1/4 that of a car made from steel. This
equates to serious fuel savings. Composite
materials are extremely strong, especially per unit of weight. An
example of this are the high tenacity structural fibers used in
composites such as aramid
and S-Glass, which are widely used in body armor. Due to high strength
composites, soldiers are well protected from blast and ballistic
threats. Composites
are highly resistant to chemicals and will never rust or corrode. This
is why the marine industry was one of the first to adopt the use of
composites. Boats made with fiberglass can stay in the highly corrosive salt water without rusting. Fiber
reinforced composites have excellent elastic properties. When one bends
metal, it will yield or dent. However, when composites are bent, they
want to naturally snap back into place. This feature is ideal for
springs, and is why composites are used in car leaf springs and in the
limbs of archery bows. Certain
composites, such as composite made with fiberglass, are non-conductive.
This is important because often a structure is needed that is strong,
yet will not conduct electricity. An example of this are ladders.
Aluminum ladders can be an electrocution hazard, while ladders made with
fiberglass are not a risk if the ladder was to cross a power line. The http://composite.about.com |
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