Biocomposites

Abstract

Composite materials consist of two or more distinct phases of base/primary materials: a primary phase consisting of a matrix polymer and a secondary phase consisting of a reinforcing filler. Composites’ properties reflect the properties of both phases and are primarily created to improve strength, stiffness, and/or density. The matrix serves several functions for the composite, such as providing the bulk form of the composite, binding the filler, and allowing the forces to be distributed and shared within the composite. Composites can be classified into two categories, traditional and synthetic. Traditional composites are those occurring in nature, such as trees or natural fibers. Synthetic composites feature a man-made plastic and either a natural or a synthetic filler, such as glass or carbon fibers.