Classification of composites

Composite materials can be classified according to; The type of matrix: 1-Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) Metal Matrix Composites are composed of a metallic matrix (aluminum, magnesium, iron, cobalt, copper) and a dispersed ceramic (oxides, carbides) or metallic (lead, tungsten, molybdenum) phase. 2-Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) Ceramic Matrix Composites are composed of a ceramic matrix and embedded fibers of other ceramic material (dispersed phase). 3-Polymer Matrix Composites (PMC) Polymer Matrix Composites are composed of a matrix from thermoset (Unsaturated Polyester (UP), Epoxiy (EP)) or thermoplastic (Polycarbonate (PC), Polyvinylchloride, Nylon, Polysterene) and embedded glass, carbon, steel or Kevlar fibers (dispersed phase). 4-Carbon matrix composite (CMC) The term organic-matrix composite is generally assumed to include two classes of composites: polymer-matrix composites (PMCs) and carbon-matrix composites (commonly referred to as carbon-carbon composites). Carbon-matrix composites are typically formed from PMCs by including the extra steps of carbonizing and densifying the original polymer matrix.

The second level of classification refers to the reinforcement form (or based on reinforcing material structure). 1-Particulate Composites

Particulate Composites consist of a matrix reinforced by a dispersed phase in form of particles. a- Composites with random orientation of particles. b- Composites with preferred orientation of particles.

Fig.1.2 classification of composite materials included polymer classification

A reinforcement is considered to be a particle if all of its generally referred to as filled systems. Because filler particles are included for the purpose of cost reduction rather than reinforcement, these composites are not generally considered to be particulate composites. Nonetheless, in some cases the filler will also reinforce the matrix material. The same may be true for particles added for nonstructural purposes, such as fire resistance, control of shrinkage, and increased thermal or electrical conductivity 2-Fibrous Composites Continuous fiber-reinforced composites [as shown in fig(1.3)]contain reinforce-ments having lengths much greater than their cross-sectional dimensions. Such a composite is considered to be a discontinuous fiber or short fiber composite if its properties vary

with fiber length. On the other hand, when the length of the fiber is such that any further increase in length does not, for example, further increase the elastic modulus or strength of the composite, the composite is considered to be continuous fiber reinforced. Most continuous fiber (or continuous filament) composites, in fact, contain fibers that are comparable in length to the overall dimensions of the composite part.

Fig.1.3 Common forms of fiber reinforcement.

In general, the reinforcements can bestraight continuous fibers, discontinuous or chopped fibers, particles or flakes, orcontinuous fibers that are woven, braided, or knitted. a- Short-fiber reinforced composites: Short-fiber reinforced composites consist of a matrix reinforced by a dispersed phase in form of discontinuous fibers (length < 100*diameter). -Composites with random orientation of fibers. -Composites with preferred orientation of fibers. b- Long-fiber reinforced composites:

Long-fiber reinforced composites consist of a matrix reinforced by a dispersed phase in form of continuous fibers. -Unidirectional orientation of fibers. -Bidirectional orientation of fibers (woven). 3-Structural Composite a-Laminate-structured Composites: When a fiber reinforced composite consists of several layers with different fiber orientations, it is called multilayer (angle-ply) composite. b-sandwich-structured composite: is a special class of composite materials that is fabricated by attaching two thin but stiff skins to a lightweight but thick core. The core material is normally low strength material, but its higher thickness provides the sandwich composite with high bendingstiffness with overall low density. [3]

Fig.1.4 classification of a composite according to the reinforcement