Composites

Material

Composites

Composites are the combination of two or more materials that are essentially insoluble in each other. The basic substance or binder material is often referred to as the matrix material. The additional materials are either additives or reinforcement substances.

The properties and the structural performance of the composite material are superior to those of the constituents acting independently.

They are usually characterized by relatively great strength and stiffness.

Fibre composites

Composite type	Price (DKK/kg)	Density (kg/liter)
Aramid reinforced epoxy	ca. 280	ca. 1.34
Carbon reinforced epoxy	ca. 360	ca. 1.53
Carbon reinforced PA	-	-
Carbon reinforced PEEK	ca. 530	ca. 1.45
Glass reinforced phenol	ca. 14	ca. 1.8
Glass reinforced resins	15-30	1.8-2.0
Hybrid composites	-	-

Particulate composites

Composite type	Price (DKK/kg)	Density (kg/liter)
Glass filled PP	ca. 16	ca. 1.34
Nanocomposite metal salt	-	-
Nanocomposite photoluminiscent	-	-

Price Price level December 1997
The prices shown are intended to be only a rough estimate, as it is very difficult to give a specific price for matrices and reinforcements, due to their extreme variety.
Prices are an upper value, considering the fact that they are calculated for small amounts of raw materials. By purchasing large amounts of material, a noteworthy price reduction is possible.

For fibre composites, prices are calculated according to the percent in volume of weaved fibres that the considered material contains, and subsequently from a weighed average of the prices of weaved fibres and matrices.
Therefore, the price shown is the price of the actual material only if the material is reinforced with weaved fibres, otherwise just an indicative value.

References Basic guides:
ACP on-line catalogue
Owens Corning material guide
Composite glossary

Advanced reading:
Advanced polymer matrix composites
Polymer Composites in Japan
Composite Design & Manufacturing Critiquing System

For materials in general see also:
Machine Design On-line
Materials by Design

Knowledge centers:
Risų, Dep. of mat. research
The Danish Plastics Federation

Photo Thomas Nissen (Computer graphics)