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WHAT IS COMPOSITE?

The new material which is formed through combining at least two different materials in macro dimensions is called composite material.

The purpose of the production of composite is to add new features to make the materials which are not suitable on their own and which cannot be solved within each other and to make them capable of giving properties suitable for their use areas. (Strength, lightness, flexibility, cost etc.)

Composite materials are composed of two components.

  • Matrix Materials (Polymer, metal and with metal alloy, ceramic based materials)
  • Reinforcement Material (Steel, carbide, aramid, nylon etc.)

The composite takes its strength from reinforcement materials, which are generally hard and brittle. Matrix materials give the composite the properties of toughness and ductility. The duty of keeping the materials together is of the matrix material.

Composite material has a wide usage area due to its both high strength and lightness.

THE INDUSTRY OF DEFENCE

The more composite technology has developed in the world, the more the use of it within technology in the industry of defence has also increased. Composite materials are significant in this sector as they can be made more durable and lighter than the components making them with various combinations. Through utilizing this situation, composite armors have been begun to be developed by applying to the armors, which are the indispensible parts of defence industry.

SPACE TECHNOLOGY AND AVIATION SECTOR

When we look at the fields of composite use, for the very first place we see that there are many fields of applications in the aviation industry. Based on their superior mechanical properties compared to their light weight, composite materials are used in the production of structural materials in the interior design of airplanes and helicopters.

• Compressor Wings, Carcase, Interior Equipment: B/Al, SiC/Al, Gr/Al
• Turbine Blades: Materials with Wolfram and Tantalum reinforcement.
• Helicopter Parts: B/Al, SiC/Al, Gr/Al, Gr/Mg, Al2O3/Mg, Al2O3/Al

CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

The materials having different internal structure are used in construction sector, and the internal structures have to be of the desired properties. The service life is also very important for this sector. Therefore, the structure of the material needs to be produced in accordance with the conditions under which the material is to be applied. Facade protections, holiday houses, kiosks, bus stops, cold stores, construction molds are applications of composite materials. As the design is flexible and easy, it provides great advantages in transportation and installation.

For example; it must be manufactured with no-gap and dense material for strength and waterproofing, produced with full material for sound-proofing and thermal insulation, and should be produced with gaps in the required quantities and sizes to ensure sound absorbency and reduce heat conduction.

AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

In the automotive sector, the purpose of composite use is to lighten the skeleton, which forms the vehicle, and to increase the impact resistance. Base on the fluid dynamics, the acceleration time and fuel efficiency can vary depending on the use of composite materials.

• Windshield Wiper; %30 Glass+PBT
• Filter Box; Mercedes, %35 Glass+ Polyamide 66
• Pedals; %40 Glass+ Poliamid 6
• Rear-view Mirror; % 30 Glass +ABS
• Headlight Set; BMW, %30 Glass + PBT
• Air Inlet Manifold; BMW, Ford, Mercedes, %30 Glass + Polyamide 6
• Automobile Instrument Panel; GMT
• Automobile Spoiler; CTP
• Automobile Side Body Carcase; Ford, CTP
• Automobile Bodywork; Corvette, SMC CTP

TRANSPORTATION SECTOR

• Tractor bodywork, cabin, seating unit; SMC
• Public transportation seating unit; SMC
• Bus ventilation ducts, port luggage parts, instrument panel; CTP
• Open space service (Golf cart) vehicles bodywork, top; CTP
• Container base; GMT (Pressable reinforced thermoplastic)
• Cable Car; CTP
• Trains

HEALTH SECTOR

Another area where composite is widely used is the field of health. Composite material is used as internal and external connection systems for fracture bone repair in orthopedics. In dentistry, composite resins are used as tooth fillers, and collagen fiber reinforced epoxy resin is used as dental support material. In dentistry, composite resins are used as dental fillings. Also orthodontic wires are manufactured with; glass fiber reinforced nylon, polypropylene and polymethylmethacrylate. As a bridge, collagen, glass or aramid reinforced polymethylmethacrylate composites are used due to their low cost and easy preparation.

OTHER USAGE OF COMPOSITES

  • Technology of Robotics
  • Industry of Chemistry
  • Techology of Electrical and Electronics
  • Industry of Musical Instruments
  • Sector of Food and Agriculture
  • Manufacturing of Sports Goods (high jump poles, tennis racquets, surfing, racing boats, skiing etc.)
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