There are a number of different types of composites that are used throughout the world to create useful things we use in everyday life. You have more likely than not used something that incorporates the use of composite material in it’s creation. But did you know that there are various types of composites that are used in a number of different ways? Composites, which are the combination of two or more materials to create one single material are not all the same. In fact, the amount of different ways composites can be used is pretty amazing. Below are different types of composites that are used in our everyday life.
You have probably seen fiberglass composites in your lifetime. This is a popular type of material used in a variety of ways. The process of creating fiberglass is accomplished by taking small pieces of glass which are then mixed with resin and a catalyst. The catalyst is used to harden the material. Fiberglass is a unique type of composite material due to it’s ability to flex when put to use. A good example of fiberglass use is it’s application in boats, surfboards and car parts. This sturdy composite material is also easily fixed if damaged which makes it a top pick for products or parts that are required to withstand the elements and physical tests.
Bricks have long been used to build structures around the world. In early days bricks were formed by using mud and straw and used to build some cool homes and structures. They were flexible and sturdy and had the ability to resist compression. Mud bricks are a composite because they use two different types of natural materials to create one single composition. The material is then molded and dried and used to build houses and other structures. If you look in some areas of the world you can see free standing homes and buildings which are created entirely by mud bricks.
The use of composites in dentistry is an practice that is constantly going though improvements. All of us go to the dentist unless of course you have never had a cavity or dental issues. Unfortunately, most of us do not have perfect teeth and have experienced a trip to the dentist. Composites have allowed dentistry to become a more refined practice and make that trip to the dentist a little easier on the patient. Dental composites are used to fix damaged teeth and create new implants and partials.. Composites in dentistry use synthetic resins which can be colored and molded to replicate a missing tooth or restore a whole mouth. In fact dental composites have been a contributing factor to the leaps and bounds dentistry has experienced in recent decades.
If you have ever seen a petrified rock you have checked out a natural composite. The petrified forest located in Arizona U.S. is an amazing example of how composites work in a natural setting. The process of demineralization causes the wood of trees to actually petrify turning the natural wood into rock. On the other side of the coin so to speak, coin money is created using composites of metals. Pennies, nickels,dimes and quarters use a composite of bronze, copper and silver to create a single hardened material. The end result is a coin which you can use to buy products and services. So, you may actually have some composite material jingling in your purse or pocket right now!
The above are just a few examples of the many different types of composites that are created and used in the wold today. So, the next time you’re out and about take a look around. You may find composites in a forest, on the race track or at your local dentist office. Composites really are pretty fascinating in all aspects!