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• Matrix

  is the phase that is continuous or completely surrounds the other phase.
• Dispersed Phase (Reinforcement) or Particulates

  is the discontinuous phase
• Three Main Divisions of Composites:

  1. Particle - reinforced composites
  2. 2. Fiber - reinforced composites 3. Structural composites
• Particle-Reinforced Composites


  is a composite for which the dispersed phase is equiaxed (i.e. particle dimensions areapproximately the same in all directions).
• Fiber-Reinforced Composite 


  is a composite in which the dispersed phase is in the form of a fiber (i.e. a filament that has a large length to diameter ratio).
• Structural Composite 


  is a composite that the properties ofwhich depend on the geometrical design of the structural elements.
• Two sub-classes of structural composites:

  1. Laminar composite 2. Sandwich Panel
• 1. Laminar composite 


  is a series of two - dimensional sheets,each having a preferred high strength direction, fastened one on top of the other at different orientations; strength inthe plane of the laminate is highly isotropic.
• 2. Sandwich Panel 


  is a type of structure consisting of two stiffand strong outer faces that are separated by a lightweight core material.
• Fiber-Reinforced Composite 


  is a material system made primarily of varying amount of particular fiber reinforcement embedded in a protective material called matrix, with a coupling agent applied to the fiber to improve the adhesion of the fiber with the matrix material