Composite Materials

Start with the components

Begin with the Composite Materials mind map for an overview of fibers, matrices and properties. It brings together fiberglass, carbon fiber and Kevlar with topics such as mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and electrical insulation. Use its branches to identify terms you want to examine more closely.

Another mind map describes a composite as a combination of materials and introduces the matrix and reinforcement. Compare its branches with the overview map, paying attention to how each resource organizes the components and their properties.

Explore types and properties

Next, use Composites to look at particle-reinforced, fiber-reinforced and structural composites. Its branches include continuous and discontinuous fibers, laminates and sandwich structures. You can use the map to practice distinguishing the categories and examples shown.

For a closer look at fibers, Kevlar vs. Fibreglass vs. Carbonfibre covers properties including strength and stiffness. Ballistic Fabrics includes nylon and Kevlar and describes how nylon is made. There is also a mind map on ceramic composite fibers, with branches on materials, processes and applications.

Practice and connect the resources

After studying the maps, use the flashcard deck to work through questions on thermoplastics, composite failure and delamination. Return to a map when a term needs more attention, then try explaining the relevant branch in your own words.

There are no quizzes listed on this topic page. A free GoConqr account lets you make your own quizzes and save quiz scores. You could turn terms from a map into questions, then use the map to check what you remember.

Composite Materials is a section of Material Properties and Materials Science in Engineering and technology (general or other). The maps and flashcards give you different ways to study material components and properties within that unit. Choose a map and use its branches to build a quiz.