Built from more than one thing. They are made up of different materials which are combined to improve their properties
Composite materials
They can be a combination of natural and synthetic materials but fall into three main categories: fibre-based composites, particle-based composites, sheet-based composites
Fibre-based composites
A mixture of two materials - one part is a material in fibre strands and this is made stronger with a resin
Particle-based composites
A mixture of two materials - one part is small particles, like small balls, and this is made stronger with a liquid that sets
Particle-based composites
Concrete
Cermet
Sheet-based composites
A mixture of two materials - one part is thin sheets of a material and this is made stronger with a resin
Sheet-based composites
Medium-density fibreboard (MDF)
Plywood
Chipboard
Like all modern materials, composites are engineered to improve their properties
There are many more combinations of materials that are designed to meet a particular need or purpose
Often the original material has a useful feature, the ability to be formed or a certain appearance, but lacks strength or durability
Different material combinations can solve the problem and new composites are being developed all the time
Robotic materials
Able to sense changes in surroundings and morph, changing shape
Robotic materials are used in state of the art military aircrafts wings, which change shape to improve aerodynamics and make them more efficient
