History of Composites |
A composite is when two or more different materials are combined
together to create a superior and unique material. The first uses of
composites date back to the 1500s B.C. when early Egyptians and
Mesopotamian settlers used a mixture of mud and straw to create strong
and durable buildings. Straw continued to provide reinforcement to
ancient composite products including pottery and boats. Birth of the “Plastics Era” The modern era of composites did not begin until scientists developed
plastics. Until then, natural resins derived from plants and animals
were the only source of glues and binders. In the early 1900s, plastics
such as vinyl, polystyrene, phenolic and polyester were developed. These
new synthetic materials outperformed resins that were derived from
nature. However, plastics alone could not provide enough strength for
structural applications. Reinforcement was needed to provide the
strength, and rigidity. In 1935, Owens Corning introduced the first
glass fiber, fiberglass. Fiberglass, when combined with a plastic polymer creates an
incredibly strong structure that is also lightweight. This is the
beginning of the Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP) industry as we know it
today. WWII – Driving Early Composites Innovation Many of the greatest advancements in composites were incubated by
war. Just as the Mongols developed the composite bow, World War II
brought the FRP industry from the laboratory into actual production. Alternative materials were needed for lightweight applications in
military aircraft. Engineers soon realized other benefits of composites
beyond being lightweight and strong. It was discovered that fiberglass
composites were transparent to radio frequencies, and the material was
soon adapted for use in sheltering electronic radar equipment (Radomes). Adapting Composites: “Space Age” to “Everyday” By the end of the WWII, a small niche composites industry was in full
swing. With lower demand for military products, the few composites
innovators were now ambitiously trying to introduce composites into
other markets. Boats were an obvious fit for composites, and the first
commercial boat hull was introduced in 1946. At this time Brandt Goldsworthy, often referred to as the
“grandfather of composites,” developed new manufacturing processes and
products. He is credited with numerous advancements including being the
first to fiberglass a surfboard, which revolutionized the sport. Goldsworthy also invented a manufacturing process known as
pultrusion. Today, products manufactured from this process include
ladder rails, tool handles, pipes, arrow shafts, armor, train floors,
medical devices, and more. Continued Advancement in Composites In the 1970s the composites industry began to mature. Better plastic
resins and improved reinforcing fibers were developed. DuPont developed
an aramid fiber known as Kevlar, this fiber has become the standard in
armor due to its high tenacity. Carbon fiber was also developed around
this time; it has since been replacing metal as the new material of
choice. The composites industry is still evolving, with much of the growth is
now focused around renewable energy. Wind turbine blades are constantly
pushing the limits on size and are requiring advanced materials,
designs, and manufacturing. Looking Forward In the future, composites will utilize even better fibers and resins,
many of which will incorporate nano-materials. Dedicated university
programs and research institutions will continue to develop improved
materials and ways to manufacture them into products. Additionally, composites are on the path towards being more
environmentally friendly. Resins will incorporate recycled plastics and
bio-based polymers. Composites will continue to make the world lighter,
stronger, more durable, and a better place to live. The http://composite.about.com |
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