Composite materials can be mainly divided into two categories: structural composite materials and functional composite materials.
Structural composite materials are materials used as load-bearing structures, mainly composed of reinforcement components that can withstand loads and matrix components that can connect the reinforcement to form a whole material while also transmitting force. The reinforcements include various glasses, ceramics, carbon, polymers, metals and natural fiber, fabrics, whiskers, sheets and particles, while the matrices include polymers (resins), metals, ceramics, glass, carbon and cement. A variety of structural composite materials can be composed of different reinforcements and different matrices, and named after the matrix used, such as polymer (resin) based composite materials. The characteristic of structural composite materials is that they can be designed based on the stress requirements of the material during use, and more importantly, composite structure design can also be carried out, that is, reinforcement arrangement design, which can reasonably meet the needs and save materials.
Functional composite materials are generally composed of functional body components and matrix components. The matrix not only plays a role in forming the whole, but also can generate synergistic or reinforcing functions. Functional composite materials refer to composite materials that provide other physical properties besides mechanical properties. For example, conductivity, superconductivity, semiconductivity, magnetism, piezoelectricity, damping, absorption, transmission, friction, shielding, flame retardancy, heat resistance, sound absorption, insulation, etc. highlight a certain function. Collectively referred to as functional composite materials. Functional composite materials mainly consist of functional bodies, reinforcing bodies, and matrices. A functional body can be composed of one or more functional materials. Composite materials with multiple functional bodies can have multiple functions. At the same time, it is also possible to generate new functions due to composite effects. Multifunctional composite materials are the development direction of functional composite materials.
