Introduction to Composite Materials

Composite materials have played an important role throughout human history, from housing early civilizations to enabling future innovations. Composites offer many benefits; the key among them are corrosion resistance, design flexibility, durability, light weight, and strength. Composites have permeated our everyday lives such as products that are used in constructions, medical applications, oil and gas, transportation, sports, aerospace, and many more. Some applications, such as rocket ships, probably would not get off the ground without composite materials. This chapter addresses the advantages of fibre composite materials as well as fundamental effects, product development, and applications of fibre composites, including material chemistry, designing, manufacturing, properties, and utilisation of the materials in various applications.