Identification should establish that composites
- are made from two or more materials of different physical or chemical properties
- are combined to create a material with superior properties to those of single-component materials
- have reinforcement material(s) held together by a glue type of matrix.
Some examples of composites include
- concrete
- automobile tires
- fiberglass
- pre-impregnated material in aerospace
- carbon fiber
- Kevlar
- laminated wood structure components.
Process/Skill Questions:
- Why would one use a composite material instead of a natural material?
- How is material cost used to determine the use of a composite material?
- How has the space program led to developments in composite materials?
- What are reinforcement materials found in composites?