Composite Materials For Engineering

Abstract

The high demand for lightweight and resistant materials in today's industry and construction is a driving force behind the innovation and development of “composites” in order to obtain efficient, low-cost and durable materials compared to metals and alloys, ceramics and glasses, and polymers. But these substances must also offer design flexibility, ease of processing, and exceptional optical, thermal and degradation resistance characteristics; for, beyond structural applications, performance in extreme temperatures, aggressive atmospheres, high-fatigue conditions and high-energy environments is no less important. In addition to materials for the generation, storage and distribution of energy; the adequate use of natural resources (e.g., nutrition) and distribution, reproduction factors, and relational functions (communication, information, mobility), “composites” offer great growth possibilities from the perspective of science and technology, in order to meet the demands of lower environmental impact, respond to the crisis of raw materials and adopt circular economy guidelines.