Phase, continuous Reinforcing

Composites consist of two (or more) distinct constituents or phases, which when combined result in a material with entirely different properties from those of the individual components. Typically, a manmade composite would consist of a reinforcement phase of stiff, strong material, embedded in a continuous matrix phase. This reinforcing phase is generally termed as filler. The matrix holds the fillers together, transfers applied loads to those fillers and protects them from mechanical damage and other environmental factors. The matrix in most common traditional composites comprises either of a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer [1]. 

A higher stiffness is also obtained by the incorporation of hard particles or short fibres. Particles are responsible for a 2 to 2.5 fold increase in E, while with short glass fibres a factor of 3 to 5 can be obtained. Long fibres, forming a continuous reinforcing phase, produce a much stronger effect here the fibres practically carry the whole stress, while the matrix polymer has hardly any influence on the stiffness. 

Composites are solids formed by dispersing one solid phase in another. These materials are often designed to have one phase act as a reinforcing element in the other, continuous phase. The reinforcing phase often adds strength, reduced creep and elongation, and increased modulus to the formulation while the continuous phase can added properties such as ease of formation, stability, and low cost to the composite. 

A composite material can be defined as a material in which two or more distinct structurally complementary substances are combined to produce structural or functional properties which are different from the individual components. Composites may be either synthetic or natural. Polymer matrix composites are much easier to produce than other composites, because of their low cost, low density and ease of processing. Composites have two phases, a continuous matrix phase and a dispersed phase or reinforcement phase. Polymer composites can be classified according to the nature of the dispersed phase as micro-or nanocomposites. ... 

Composite materials consist of two or more constituents mixed at a nano-, micro- or macroscopic level. These constituents are not soluble and form distinct phases. The reinforcing phase is embedded in the other phase, designated the matrix. Usually the reinforcing material is in the form of continuous or short fibres or particles. Actually, composites provide a more efficient way for using materials in structural applications. For example, they allow mass reduction without decreasing the stiffness and strength of components, by... 

Dispersed phase or reinforcement that may be a particulate material, chopped or continuous fibers [7]. 

A composite material (1) is a material consisting of two or more physically and/or chemically distinct, suitably arranged or distributed phases, generally having characteristics different from those of any components in isolation. Usually one component acts as a matrix in which the reinforcing phase is distributed. When the continuous phase or matrix is a metal, the composite is a metal-matrix composite (MMC). The reinforcement can be in the form of particles, whiskers, short fibers, or continuous fibers (see Composite materials). 

Ceramic matrix composites are candidate materials for high temperature stmctural appHcations. Ceramic matrices with properties of high strength, hardness, and thermal and chemical stabiUty coupled with low density are reinforced with ceramic second phases that impart the high toughness and damage tolerance which is required of such stmctural materials. The varieties of reinforcements include particles, platelets, whiskers and continuous fibers. Placement of reinforcements within the matrix determines the isotropy of the composite properties. 

A composite material is defined as a material consisting of two or more distinct constituents or phases, which are insoluble in one another. The main types of reinforcement are particles, discontinuous fibers, continuous fibers (or filaments) and flakes. 

SDIBS-OH is expected to self-assemble into a nanostructured TPE whose PIB surface is decorated with OH groups, while the reinforcing hard PSt phases are embedded in the continuous dendritic PIB matrix. Figure 7.19 helps to visualize the phase morphology. 

Melt-processable polymer blend or copolymer in which a continuous elastomeric phase domain is reinforced by dispersed hard (glassy or crystalline) phase domains that act as junction points over a limited range of temperature, or... 

Many naturally occurring materials such as wood are reinforced composites consisting of a resinous continuous phase and a discontinuous fibrous reinforcing phase. 

As noted earlier, for the most part, the resulting materials from the use of reinforcements are composites, which are materials that contain strong fibers embedded in a continuous phase. The fibers are called reinforcement and the continuous phase is called the matrix. While the continuous phase can be a metallic alloy or inorganic material, it is typically an organic polymer that is termed a resin. Composites can be fabricated into almost any shape and after hardening, they can be machined, painted, etc., as desired. 

The most important reinforced materials are composites. They contain a continuous phase and a discontinuous phase. There are a variety of composites. These include particulate, structural, and fiber composites. 

Fiber-reinforced composites contain strong fibers embedded in a continuous phase. They form the basis of many of the advanced and space-age products. They are important because they offer strength without weight and good resistance to weathering. Typical fibers are fiberous glass, carbon-based, aromatic nylons, and polyolefins. Typical resins are polyimides, polyesters, epoxys, PF, and many synthetic polymers. Applications include biomedical, boating, aerospace and outer space, sports, automotive, and industry. 

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