Composite Material is a material composed of a combination of two or more components of different shapes or compositions on a macro scale, with two or more different phases and having an interface relationship between the components forming it. The purpose of making composites is to optimize the characteristics of the material; both mechanical properties (especially strength), chemical and/or physical properties, thermal properties (thermal expansion/ conduction, specific heat, melting point), electrical (conductivity), and optical properties. Composite Materials usually consist of reinforcing materials and matrices. Composite Materials can be classified based on their matrices, namely: Ceramic matrix composites, Metal matrix composites (MMC), Polymer matrix composites (PMC), Carbon matrix composites (CMC), Hybrid composites. This lecture discusses more about Polymer Matrix Composites. The learning method used is Collaborative Learning. Students are divided into several groups. Each group discusses the topics assigned during the lecture. In each group, students divide the tasks to study the part that is the group’s assignment. Then each student conveys what has been learned to their group.

• Explain the characteristics of composite materials and compare them with conventional materials.
• Explain the manufacturing process and research development of composite materials.

• The Position of Composite Materials in Materials Science

  • Overview of composite materials within the broader context of materials science
  • Importance and applications of composites in modern industries

• Common Characteristics of Composite Materials

  • Key properties that define composite materials
  • Advantages of composites over traditional materials (e.g., strength, weight, durability)

• Types of Composite Based on Composition

  • Classification of composites (e.g., fiber-reinforced, particulate composites)
  • Structural and functional composites

• Types of Polymer Matrix and Reinforcement

  • Different polymer matrices (e.g., thermosets, thermoplastics)
  • Types of reinforcement (e.g., glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers)

• The Role of Surface Treatment in the Strength of Composite Materials

  • Importance of surface treatment for improving adhesion and strength
  • Techniques for surface modification of reinforcement and matrix

• Manufacturing Processes

  • Overview of composite manufacturing techniques (e.g., hand lay-up, filament winding, resin transfer molding)
  • Comparison of different manufacturing methods and their suitability

• Durability

  • Factors influencing the long-term performance of composite materials
  • Methods for testing and improving the durability of composites

• The Process of Splicing and Repair of Composite Materials

  • Techniques for repairing damaged composites
  • Splicing and joining methods for composite materials

• Code and Standards for Application of Composite Materials

  • Overview of standards and regulations governing the use of composites
  • Relevant codes for various industries (aerospace, automotive, civil engineering)

• The Development of Composite Materials Research

  • Current trends and innovations in composite material research
  • Future directions for composite material development and applications

1. P. K. Mallick, Fiber-reinforced Composites (Materials Engineering, Manufacturing and Design), Marcel Dekker, Inc., 1993.
2. Charles A. Harper, Handbook of Plastics, Elastomers, and Composites, 3rd ed., McGraw-Hill, 1996.
3. M. W. Gaylord, Reinforced Plastics – Theory and Practice, 2nd ed., Chaners Books, 1974.