Composite material

A material made from two or more constituents with distinct properties that remain identifiable in the finished material, most commonly a fibre reinforcement embedded in a polymer matrix. The combination delivers properties, such as high stiffness and strength at low weight, that neither constituent achieves alone.

Also known as: composite

Related terms

Laminate

A composite element built up from multiple bonded layers (plies) of reinforcement and matrix, consolidated and cured so that they act as a single structural material. Its stiffness and strength depend on the fibre orientations and stacking sequence of the plies.

Composites & laminatesAerospaceAutomotiveConstructionMarineGreen energyIndustrial

Fibre reinforced polymer

FRP

The umbrella term for composites in which fibres such as glass, carbon, aramid or basalt reinforce a polymer matrix. In construction the abbreviation FRP commonly covers pultruded profiles, reinforcing bar and externally bonded strengthening systems.

Composites & laminatesMaterials science (general)AerospaceAutomotiveConstructionMarineGreen energyIndustrial

Hybrid composite

A composite combining two or more fibre types, such as carbon with glass or aramid, either mixed within a single fabric or as separate plies in one laminate. Hybridisation is used to balance cost, stiffness, impact tolerance and failure behaviour.

Composites & laminatesReinforcements & fibresAerospaceAutomotiveConstructionMarineGreen energyIndustrial

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