MSE-401

Classification of composites
Dr. Alka Gupta
According to the matrix material
Metal Matrix Composites (reinforced metals,
cermets, alloys) - MMC
Polymer Matrix Composites based on
macromolecular substances (reinforced polymers) -
PMC
Ceramic Matrix Composites (ceramic and other
inorganic composites: ceramics, glass, carbon) -
CMC
According to the structure or geometry of the
reinforcement:
Dispersive composites: It contains very fine
particles.
Particulate composites: (particulate, granular) it
contain larger particles of regular shapes (spheres,
platelets) or irregular shapes.
Fibrous composites: It contains long or short
fibers that may be oriented or disoriented because
 of various origins (glass, carbon, polymeric, textile,
etc.)
*** In practice, composites are classified according
to the geometric shape on a particulate and fiber
composites.
Basic types of composites:
Traditional/Conventional composites-
a. alloys
b. materials with a paint or finished surface
c. dispersion
d. layered (laminated) materials
New composites
a. associated materials (sandwiches)
b. fiber reinforced systems
c. granular systems (large particles)
d. penetrated systems
Properties defining a composite
The characteristics of the phases - mechanical
properties, isotropy and anisotropy of phases, ...
The volume of the phases - the geometry and
arrangement of phases in the system
The interaction with a surrounding environment
 The history of a material - it should be taken into
account how phase composites were created, material
aging etc.
Metal matrix composites (MMC):
The preparation of each of the composite materials is
based on the nature of its components. All materials have
their positive and negative properties, but by preparing
composites (from them), we usually try to change them.
The assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of
these materials are always presented in the context of
other used materials, resp. composites.
The advantages of the metal matrix
1. high strength and toughness
2. usability at higher temperatures
3. non-absorbability
4. improved/higher radiation resistance
5. they do not absorb or release gases into the
surrounding area
6. mostly non-flammable
7. they conduct electricity and heat well
8. the possibility of welding (them) to each other and
with other metals
9. higher hardness and wear resistance
 10. resistance to surface damage, and more
Disadvantages of the metal matrix
1. more complex production
2. relatively underdeveloped technology of
production
3. high specific weight, density
4. typically a higher price
5. little experience with maintenance and disposal
6. worse formability
7. some are subject to corrosion
Polymeric matrix composites (PMC):  
Composite materials with a polymer matrix can be
divided into several basic groups. We distinguish
composites based on: plastics, bitumen, asphalts and tar
The advantages of plastics:
1. Low weight (0.8 to 2.2 g.cm3), density (1600-2000
kg.m3) compared to steel (7800 kg.m3) or aluminum
(2700 kg.m3), it means they are lightweight.
2. Advantageous mechanical properties that can be
modified as required to obtain substances that are
hard, soft, porous, abrasion resistant, elastic and more
3. Insulation properties (low thermal conductivity - 300
times lower than aluminum), thermal insulation,
 electrical insulation (not current) and sound
insulation properties
4. Easy workability, formability
5. Good tolerance of different fillers, can hold a large
amount of filler
6. Good chemical resistance
7. The possibility of colouring, high durability/lifetime
and easy maintenance
Disadvantages of plastics:
1. low resistance to high temperatures (thermoplastics
can be used up to 100 °C, thermosets withstand
slightly more)
2. high coefficient of volume expansion (3 to 15 times
larger than metals, and 20 times greater than
ceramics)
3. low strength that decreases with the temperature and
low modulus of elasticity (tensile modulus)
4. easily flammable (low ignition point, the production
of dense smoke, toxicity), electrostatic charging
5. ease reaction with atmospheric oxygen which causes
aging and aging due to solar radiation
6. swelling with water and associated change of volume
7. Not all plastics are the same (have the same
properties to the same extent).
Ceramic or glass matrix composites (CMC):
Ceramics are inorganic non-metallic materials with a
heterogeneous structure. They consist of glass, pores and
minerals of different compositions. Material based
ceramics have high strength at elevated temperatures and
are resistant to oxidation. Their main disadvantage is their
brittleness.
Advantages of ceramic composites:
1. low coefficient of thermal expansion
2. higher hardness
3. low density
4. higher temperature and corrosion resistance and even
wear resistance
5. higher melting point and the stability of mechanical
properties in a wide temperature range
Disadvantages:
1. low fracture toughness
2. brittleness
3. difficult reproducibility of complex shapes
4. difficult bonding of ceramics with each other and
with other materials as well
Reference
IMANAKA, Y. et al. Advanced Ceramic Technologies & Products. Tokyo:
Springer, 2012. ISBN-431-53913 978-4-1, ISBN-431-54108 978-4-0 (eBook).