Unit-3

PHASE RULE AND COMPOSITES

Composites – characteristics – constituents of
composites – types of composites – polymer matrix
composites (PMC) (Types of polymers - Properties),
metal matrix composites (MMC) - FRP – Hybrid
composites – Nano composites - properties and
applications.
 Composites
Definition
• A combination of two or more constituent materials with different
physical or chemical properties.
• When combined, they produce a material with characteristics different
from their original properties.
 Need for composites
1. composite
• Never rust
• Less fracture
• Toughness than metal
2. To reduce maintenance cost Ensure long-term stability composites
3. using different fibres and matrix
Properties of composites can be modified.

4. Composites are highly essential telecommunication industries

Need of power and data transmission in industries

5. Due to their lower weight

 Advantages/characteristics of composites
Composites possess
• Higher specific strength
• Lower specific gravity.
Composites possess
• Lower electrical conductivity
• Thermal expansion.
Composites possess
• Better creep
• Fatigue strength
• Corrosion and oxidation resistance.
Composites maintain
• Maintain very good strength
• Even up to high temperatures
CONSTITUENTS OF COMPOSITES
• 1. Matrix materials (or) Matrix phase
• 2. Reinforcements (or) Dispersed phase
 1. Matrix materials (or) Matrix phase

• Its is the continuous body constituent which encloses

composites.
• Matrix phase may be
i. Ceramics
ii. polymers (liquid resins)
iii. Metals
• Composites using these matrix
• Metal Matrix Composites (MMC)
• Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC)
• Polymer Matrix Composites (PMC)
 2. Dispersed Phase (or) Reinforcement

• Its is the structural constituent, which determines the

internal structure of composite.
• Examples
i. Fibres
ii. Particulates
iii. Flakes
iv. Whiskers
 i) Fibres
• Fibres are long and thin' filament of any macromolecular
substance such as polymer, metal (or) cerarmic having high
length to diameter ratio at least 100: 1.

Characteristics of fibres
• High tensile strength
• High stiffness.
 Classification of Fibres

a) Natural fibers
• Derived from naturally available sources.
• Eg. Cotton, wool, silk
b) Semi-synthetic fibres
• Modifying the naturally occurring materials.
• Examples: Rayon, cellulosic.
c) Synthetic fibres
• Produced exclusively by the laboratory processes.
• Examples: Polyester fibre, polypropylene
d) Aramid fibres
• aromatic polyamides.
• Example: Kevlar
 ii) Whiskers

• Whiskers are thin strong fiber like material made by growing

a crystal
• ExampIes : Graphite, silicon carbide, silicon nitride.

iii) Flakes:

• Flakes are very thin solid like materials

• Example: Mica flakes
iv) Particulates

• Particulates are small pieces of hard solid materials.

 Types of composites
• a) Metal Matrix Composites (MMC)
• b) Polymer Matrix Composites (PMC)
• c) Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC)

a) Metal Matrix Composites (MMC)

Properties
• It also exhibit extremely good
i. Thermal stability
ii. High strength
iii. Good stiffness
iv. Low specific weight
• It also have
i. fracture toughness,
ii. Ductility
• They can withstand at elevated temperatures in corrosive
environment.

Uses
• They are used in engine blades, combustion chambers.
• Al and Mg MMCs are used in automotive industry.
• MMC are used in biomedical and sports equipment industry
 b) Polymer Matrix Composites (PMC)
Defination
• A polymer matrix composite is a material made of a polymeric matrix
and fiber reinforcement.
• The fiber reinforcement can be made of carbon, graphite, glass, or
thermoplastic fibers.

Preparation of (PMCs) involves the following steps:

• Impregnation: The fibers are impregnated with resin.
• Structure formation: The structure is formed.
• Curing or thermal processing: The composite is cured if it has a
thermoset matrix, or thermally processed if it has a
thermoplastic matrix.
Properties
• Polyester resin – Very good strength and mechanical
properties.
• Epoxy resin – Good mechanical properties.
• Silicone resins – Excellent thermal and electrical
properties.
• Phenolic resins – To withstand high temperatures
• Thermoplastics (polyamide) – Because of its repeatability
and reparability
 Types of • Glass FRP
Fibre- • Boron FRP
reinforced • Carbon FRP
plastic (FRP) • Aramid FRP
• Alumina FRP
composites

Uses
• It is used in audio equipment's like microphone, speakers.
• It is used in aircraft brake
• It is used in automobiles for fatigue resistance
• It is used in surgery and X-ray equipment because of low
biological reactivity.
 c) Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC)

Properties
• The matrixs used are glass, ceramics, carbides nitrides, oxides
• Exhibit extremely
i. Good thermal stability
ii. High strength
iii. Good stiffness
iv. Low specific weight
• They possess good corrosion resistance
• They are stable at elevated temperature
• They possess high compressive strength
Uses

• Used in re-entry thermal shields in space vehicles

• Used in tiles, pump seal, round ring

• Used in fusion reactor walls

• Used in gas turbines

 Hybrid composites
Definition
• There are materials that are fabricated by combining two or more different
types of fibers within a common matrix.
• Example: Carbon –glass hybrid composite, glass aluminium laminates
Types of Functionally hybrid composites
a) Structurally hybridized composites
b) Materials hybridized in chemical bond
c) Functionally hybridized composites.
Properties
• They possess strong, tough and higher impact resistance
• They possess balanced strength and stiffness
• They also have improved fatigue resistance
Uses
• Used in light weight transport structural components
• Used to make furniture like chair, table bath tubs
• Used in railway coach interiors
• Used in making plates and sports
 Nano composites
Definition
• A solid material made up of two or more components,
where at least one component has a dimension of less
than 100 nanometers.
• The components are usually a polymer matrix and
nanostructured materials
Properties
• Exhibit superior mechanical properties
i. tensile strength
ii. Stiffness
iii. Hardness
• Improved Thermal Stability it more resistant to high temperatures
• Enhanced Electrical Conductivity improved electrical properties
• Enhanced Barrier can provide better gas and moisture barrier properties
• Lightweight improved strength-to-weight ratio
• Improved Chemical Resistance exhibit enhanced resistance to chemical
corrosion,
 • Aerospace
• Automotive
Applications of
• Electronics
Nanocomposites
• Environmental Applications
• Medicine and Healthcare

Aerospace:
• used in aircraft and spacecraft components to reduce weight
• improving fuel efficiency and performance.
Automotive
• Used in automotive industry
• production of lightweight automotive parts
• improved scratch resistance
• corrosion resistance
Electronics

• Used in electronic devices, such as printed circuit boards (PCBs)

• Used in electronics and sensors

• Improve energy storage devices

Environmental Applications

• used in water filtration systems

• Remove pollutants from the air and water, such as capturing carbon dioxide or

absorbing harmful gases.

Medicine and Healthcare

• Used in medical implants

• Drug delivery systems

• Diagnostic tools