Abstract

Composite materials are defined as artificial combinations of two or more materials. The development of advanced composites is outlined. Composites are classified according to the geometry as fibrous, laminated, and particulate. They are also classified according to the matrix material as polymer–matrix, cement–matrix, metal–matrix, carbon–matrix, and ceramic–matrix. Composite materials with different matrices are compared in terms of their science and applications, including structural and functional applications. Polymer–matrix materials, which are dominant, are classified as thermosetting or thermoplastic, and common examples of each type are discussed. The processing, structure, properties (mechanical, thermal, etc) and their interrelationships are covered. Methods of fabricating composites are reviewed, with emphasis on composites with continuous fibers. Theories of reinforcement are introduced for unidirectional laminated composites.