Composite Building Materials
Composite building materials are formed from two or more distinctly
different materials. When combined, the properties of the newly
formed material are superior to those of the individual components.
The process of combining is a physical practice rather than a chemical
one, so the composite materials feature the combined properties
of their ingredient materials.
Composite materials contain two types of constituent materials, matrix and
reinforcement materials. At least one variety of each type is necessary. The
matrix material surrounds and supports other constituents by keeping their
relative positions. The reinforcement material imparts special physical properties,
such as electrical and mechanical, to improve the matrix properties.
Composite materials are noted for characteristic properties such as high structural
strength, lightweight, resistance to chemical wear and corrosion, toughness
(impact strength), mechanical stiffness, heat resistance and ease of processing
(manufacturing). Most materials are cost effective, cause less public inconvenience
and require lower long-term maintenance and replacement costs.
Commonly used forms are fiber-reinforced plastics (fiberglass, thermoplastic
composites, thermoset composites, etc), metal matrix composites (white cast
iron, hard metal and metal-intermetallic laminate), ceramic matrix composites
(cement, reinforced carbon-carbon, etc) and engineered wood (plywood, oriented
strand board, and pykrete).
Composite materials are found in nature. An example is wood that contains
cellulose fibers reinforced by a polymeric substance like lignin. Wood is one
of the most common materials used in the construction industry. Straw and mud
in the form of bricks are the most primitive composite building materials.
Other varieties are organic matrix or ceramic aggregate composites (syntactic
foam and asphalt concrete).
Concretes are made from the combination of aggregate and cement binder. They
are used in the manufacturing of motorways/roads and all building structures.
Natural fiber composites (NFCs) are made up of natural fibers like wood or
hemp with artificial materials like recycled plastics. They are generally inexpensive
and can be easily molded into sheets, boards and frames. NFCs are used as an
alternative for timber in fences, railings, flooring, roofing, etc. The composite
materials like imitation granite and cultured marble sinks are also widely
used.
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