Composite Materials
Composite Materials A composite material is a combination of two materials with different physical and chemical properties. When they are combined they create a material which is specialised to do a certain job, for instance to become stronger, lighter or resistant to electricity. They can also improve strength and stiffness. The reason for their use over traditional materials is because they improve the properties of their base materials and are applicable in many situations. Humans have used composites for thousands of years. In 3400 B.C the first man made composites were engineered by the Mesopotamians in Iraq. The ancient society glued wood strips on top of each other at different angles to create plywood. Following this, in around 2181 B.C the Egyptians started to make death masks out of linen or papyrus soaked in plaster. Later on, both of these societies started to reinforce their materials with straw to strengthen mud bricks, pott...