Metal matrix Composites- COMPOSITES

The concept of composites is found to be naturally occurring. Scientists have found that the fibers taken from a spider's web are stronger than synthetic fibers. In India, Greece and other countries, husks or straws mixed with clay have been used to build houses for several hundred years. The main concept of a composite is that it contains matrix materials (metals, plastics, or ceramics) and the reinforcements (fibers, particulate, or whiskers can be reinforcement and the matrix materials can be metals, plastics, or ceramics). The continuous, long or short fibers made with a polymer matrix have become more common, and are widely used in various applications. The important thing about composites is that the fibers/particulate/whiskers carry the load and its strength is greatest along the axis. Depending upon the type of application (structural or nonstructural) and manufacturing method, the form of reinforcement is selected. For structural applications, continuous fibers or long fibers are recommended; whereas for nonstructural applications, particulate and short fibers are recommended.