Composite material

A composite or composite material (also composition material) is a material which is produced from two or more constituent materials. These constituent materials have notably dissimilar chemical or physical properties and are merged to create a material with properties unlike the individual elements. Within the finished structure, the individual elements remain separate and distinct, distinguishing composites from mixtures and solid solutions. Composite materials with more than one distinct layer are called composite laminates. Typical engineered composite materials are made up of a binding agent forming the matrix and a filler material (particulates or fibres) giving substance, e.g.: Concrete, reinforced concrete and masonry with cement, lime or mortar (which is itself a composite material) as a binder Composite wood such as glulam and plywood with wood glue as a binder Reinforced plastics, such as fiberglass and fibre-reinforced polymer with resin or thermoplastics as a binder Ceramic matrix composites (composite ceramic and metal matrices) Metal matrix composites Advanced composite materials, often first developed for spacecraft and aircraft applications Composite materials can be less expensive, lighter, stronger or more durable than common materials. Some are inspired by biological structures found in plants and animals. Robotic materials are composites that include sensing, actuation, computation, and communication components. Composite materials are used for construction and technical structures such as boat hulls, swimming pool panels, racing car bodies, shower stalls, bathtubs, storage tanks, imitation granite, and cultured marble sinks and countertops. They are also being increasingly used in general automotive applications.