Composite material lightweight solution

Many of the applications for composite materials involve their (relative) lightweight, resistance to weathering and chemicals, and their ability to be easily fabricated and machined. Bulk applications employ composites that are relatively inexpensive. Combinations of rigorous specifications, low volume, specific machining and fabrication specifications, and comparative price to alternative materials and solutions allow more expensive specialized composites to be developed and utilized. 

Considering the crash-resistance performance of these new types of composite materials, several papers put on the fore their advantage as lightweight solutions. 

Addition of rubber particles of 30% to 100% by weight to cement with a grain size of approximately 40 to 60 mesh (0.4 to 0.25 mm) will produce a lightweight cement. The addition of rubber particles also creates a low permeability. The compositions are advantageous for cementing zones subjected to extreme dynamic stresses such as perforation zones and the junctions of branches in a multi-sidetrack well. Recycled, expanded polystyrene lowers the density of a hydraulic cement formulation and is an environmentally friendly solution for downcycling waste materials. 

In the 80s, far too optimistic forecasts indicated an inarrestable advance of organic composites towards the leadership as structural materials in the aerospace market. Although later on they did not spread as rapidly as expected, the threat of losing the traditional position stimulated me suppliers to develop advanced lightweight alloys and metal matrix composites, which now offer the aerospace customers new opportunities for improved design solutions (Figure 8). 

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