Composite Materials

Start with the mind maps

The mind map Composites and New Materials is a useful starting point. It introduces materials made by bonding materials together and describes how their properties can differ from those of the original materials. Use it to build an overview before moving to examples.

The Composite Materials mind map also introduces combinations of materials and their properties. Compare the ideas in the maps, then make a short note of anything you want to study in more detail.

Explore examples with flashcards

The flashcards on composite materials ask about groups of composites, fiber-reinforced materials and the benefits and drawbacks of carbon fiber. Another deck asks about glass reinforced plastic, including how it is made, where it is used, and its advantages and disadvantages.

Use the questions to practice explaining each idea without looking at the answer. If a question is difficult, return to a relevant map and look for the connection between the material and its properties. The deck titled Composites also includes questions about identifying composites.

Use the quiz alongside the maps

After studying a map and a set of flashcards, open the quiz on this page and work through its questions. Use any questions you find difficult as prompts for another look at the resources. You can then return to the flashcards to practice recall.

The maps give you a way to organize what you have studied, while the flashcards and quiz give you different ways to check your understanding. You can repeat the process with a different map or deck when you want another view of the topic.

Place the topic in its unit

Composite Materials is a section of Materials and Their Properties in Design and technology. Keep that unit context in mind as you study the listed examples and their properties.

Choose a map to begin, then follow it with a deck and the quiz.