It is important to choose the right kind of composite core material that works as intended and offers the properties specified for users’ applications. However, there are many practical material ...

Explore the future of sustainable composites in architecture, from bio-based and recycled materials to hybrid solutions.

Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) are made by reinforcing a polymer-based matrix with glass, carbon, or aramid fibers. PMCs are classified into thermosetting and thermoplastic resins based on the type ...

This article was updated May 11, 2023. It was originally published June 1, 2017. Engineers often design structures and components out of metals such as steel and aluminum because of their strength and ...

This schematic shows an engineered material with composite layers. Layers of carbon fibers (the long silver tubes) have microscopic forests of carbon nanotubes between them (the array of tiny brown ...

In my August 2021 column, I introduced the composites building block approach as a step-by-step series of mechanical tests of increasing complexity, coupled with analyses performed at each step, that ...

Life cycle assessments (LCA) are one tool OEMs, fabricators and suppliers can use to understand – and improve – the environmental impact of composite parts and materials. Examples shown include an LCA ...

Europe will generate 683,000 tons of composite waste in 2025. The global recycling capacity is currently under 100,000 tons. Until we can find better ways to repurpose these materials, over half a ...

The class of materials known as ceramic matrix composites, or CMCs, shows considerable promise for providing fracture-toughness values similar to those for metals such as cast iron. Two kinds of ...

For devices that are transparent to x-rays, thermoplastic and carbon-fiber composites provide properties that are competitive with traditional metals. Barry Chadwick and Chris Toto New materials are ...