Chapter 17.
Composites
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r 3. Structure of Crystals ] [ Chapter 4. Imperfections ] [ Chapter 5. Diffusion ][ Chapter 6. Mec
hanical Properties of Metals ] [ Chapter 7. Dislocations and Strengthening Mechanisms ] [ Chapt
er 8. Failure ] [ Chapter 9. Phase Diagrams ] [ Chapter 10: Phase Transformations in Metals ][ C
hapter 11. Thermal Processing of Metal Alloys ] [ Chapter 13. Ceramics - Structures and Properti
es ] [ Chapter 14. Ceramics - Applications and Processing ] [ Chapter 15. Polymer Structures ][
Chapter 16. Polymers. Characteristics, Applications and Processing ] [ Chapter 17. Composites ]
[ Chapter 19. Electrical Properties ]
17.1 Introduction
The idea is that by combining two or more distinct materials one can engineer a new material
with the desired combination of properties (e.g., light, strong, corrosion resistant). The idea that a
better combination of properties can be achieved is called the principle of combined action.
New - High-tech materials, engineered to specific applications
Old - brick-straw composites, paper, known for > 5000 years.
A type of composite that has been discussed is perlitic steel, which combines hard, brittle
cementite with soft, ductile ferrite to get a superior material.
Natural composites: wood (polymer-polymer), bones (polymer-ceramics).
Usual composites have just two phases:
matrix (continuous)
dispersed phase (particulates, fibers)
Properties of composites depend on
properties of phases
geometry of dispersed phase (particle size, distribution, orientation)
amount of phase
Classification of composites: three main categories:
particle-reinforced (large-particle and dispersion-strengthened)
fiber-reinforced (continuous (aligned) and short fibers (aligned or random)
structural (laminates and sandwich panels)
Particle-reinforced composites
These are the cheapest and most widely used. They fall in two categories depending on the size
of the particles:
large-particle composites, which act by restraining the movement of the matrix, if well
bonded.
dispersion-strengthened composites, containing 10-100 nm particles, similar to what was
discussed under precipitation hardening. The matrix bears the major portion of the
applied load and the small particles hinder dislocation motion, limiting plastic
deformation.
17.2 Large-Particle Composites
Properties are a combination of those of the components. The rule of mixtures predicts that an
upper limit of the elastic modulus of the composite is given in terms of the elastic moduli of the
matrix (Em) and the particulate (Ep) phases by:
Ec = EmVm + EpVp
where Vm and Vp are the volume fraction of the two phases. A lower bound is given by:
Ec = EmEp / (EpVm + EmVp)
Fig. 17.3 - modulus of composite of WC particles in Cu matrix vs. WC concentration.
Concrete
The most common large-particle composite is concrete, made of a cement matrix that bonds
particles of different size (gravel and sand.) Cement was already known to the Egyptians and the
Greek. Romans made cement by mixing lime (CaO) with volcanic ice.
In its general from, cement is a fine mixture of lime, alumina, silica, and water. Portland cement
is a fine powder of chalk, clay and lime-bearing minerals fired to 1500o C (calcinated). It forms a
paste when dissolved in water. It sets into a solid in minutes and hardens slowly (takes 4 months
for full strength). Properties depend on how well it is mixed, and the amount of water: too little incomplete bonding, too much - excessive porosity.
The advantage of cement is that it can be poured in place, it hardens at room temperature and
even under water, and it is very cheap. The disadvantages are that it is weak and brittle, and that
water in the pores can produce crack when it freezes in cold weather.
Concrete is cement strengthened by adding particulates. The use of different size (stone and
sand) allows better packing factor than when using particles of similar size.
Concrete is improved by making the pores smaller (using finer powder, adding polymeric
lubricants, and applying pressure during hardening.
Reinforced concrete is obtained by adding steel rods, wires, mesh. Steel has the advantage of a
similar thermal expansion coefficient, so there is reduced danger of cracking due to thermal
stresses. Pre-stressed concreteis obtained by applying tensile stress to the steel rods while the
cement is setting and hardening. When the tensile stress is removed, the concrete is left under
compressive stress, enabling it to sustain tensile loads without fracturing. Pre-stressed concrete
shapes are usually prefabricated. A common use is in railroad or highway bridges.
Cermets
are composites of ceramic particles (strong, brittle) in a metal matrix (soft, ductile) that enhances
toughness. For instance, tungsten carbide or titanium carbide ceramics in Co or Ni. They are
used for cutting tools for hardened steels.
Reinforced rubber
is obtained by strengthening with 20-50 nm carbon-black particles. Used in auto tires.
17.3 Dispersion-Strengthened Composites
Use of very hard, small particles to strengthen metals and metal alloys. The effect is like
precipitation hardening but not so strong. Particles like oxides do not react so the strengthening
action is retained at high temperatures.
Fiber-reinforced composites
In many applications, like in aircraft parts, there is a need for high strength per unit weight
(specific strength). This can be achieved by composites consisting of a low-density (and soft)
matrix reinforced with stiff fibers.
The strength depends on the fiber length and its orientation with respect to the stress direction.
The efficiency of load transfer between matrix and fiber depends on the interfacial bond.
17.4 Influence of Fiber Length
Normally the matrix has a much lower modulus than the fiber so it strains more. This occurs at a
distance from the fiber. Right next to the fiber, the strain is limited by the fiber. Thus, for a
composite under tension, a shear stress appears in the matrix that pulls from the fiber. The pull is
uniform over the area of the fiber. This makes the force on the fiber be minimum at the ends and
maximum in the middle, like in the tug-of-war game.
To achieve effective strengthening and stiffening, the fibers must be larger than a critical
length lc, defined as the minimum length at which the center of the fiber reaches the ultimate
(tensile) strength f, when the matrix achieves the maximum shear strength m:
lc = sf d /2 tm
Since it is proportional to the diameter of the fiber d, a more unified condition for effective
strengthening is that the aspect ratio of the fiber is l/d > f /2 m.
17.5 Influence of Fiber Orientation
The composite is stronger along the direction of orientation of the fibers and weakest in a
direction perpendicular to the fiber. For discontinuous, random fibers, the properties are
isotropic.
17.6 The Fiber Phase (not covered)
17.7 The Matrix Phase (not covered)
17.8 Polymer Matrix Composites
Largest and most diverse use of composites due to ease of fabrication, low cost and good
properties.
Glass-fiber reinforced composites (GFRC) are strong, corrosion resistant and lightweight, but not
very stiff and cannot be used at high temperatures. Applications include auto and boat bodies,
aircraft components.
Carbon-fiber reinforced composites (CFRC) use carbon fibers, which have the highest specific
module (module divided by weight). CFRC are strong, inert, allow high temperature use.
Applications include fishing rods, golf clubs, aircraft components.
Kevlar, and aremid-fiber composite (Fig. 17.9) can be used as textile fibers. Applications include
bullet-proof vests, tires, brake and clutch linings.
Wood
This is one of the oldest and the most widely used structural material. It is a composite of strong
and flexible cellulose fibers (linear polymer) surrounded and held together by a matrix of lignin
and other polymers. The properties are anisotropic and vary widely among types of wood. Wood
is ten times stronger in the axial direction than in the radial or tangential directions.
17.9 Metal-Matrix Composites (not covered)
17.10 Ceramic-Matrix Composites (not covered)
17.11 Carbon-Carbon Composites (not covered)
17.12 Hybrid Composites (not covered)
17.13 Processing of Fiber-Reinforced Composites (not covered)
17.14 Laminar Composites
Sheets (panels) with different orientation of high strength directions are stacked and glued
together, producing a material with more isotropic strength in the plane. Examples are plywood
and modern skis.
17.15 Sandwich Panels
Strong, stiff end sheets are bonded to lightweight core structure, for instance honeycomb (Fig.
17.16) which provides strength to shear. It is used in roofs, walls, and aircraft structures.
Terms:
Ceramic-matrix composite
Cermet
Concrete
Dispersed phase
Dispersion-strengthened composite
Fiber
Fiber-reinforced composite
Hybrid composite
Laminar composite
Large-particle composite
Longitudinal direction
Matrix phase
Metal-matrix composite
Polymer-matrix composite
Pre-stressed concrete
Principle of combined action
Reinforced concrete
Rule of mixtures
Sandwich panel
Specific modulus
Specific strength
Structural composite
Transverse direction
Whisker