Composites are materials that comprise
strong load carrying material (known as reinforcement)
imbedded in weaker material
(known as matrix). Reinforcement provides
strength and rigidity, helping to support structural
load. The matrix, or binder (organic or inorganic)
maintains the position and orientation
of the reinforcement. Signifi cantly, constituents
of the composites retain their individual, physical
and chemical properties; yet together they
produce a combination of qualities which individual
constituents would be incapable of producing
alone