Composites are materials that have a heterogeneous structure consisting of at least two components possessing different properties. One of these components is usually a binder that enables to combine the two together. The second of the components is responsible for the mechanical properties of the composite. The most commonly used composites today include materials such as fiberglass, Kevlar and carbon fiber. Asbestos is a composite that is currently being phased out due to the fact that it is considered a hazardous material. Interestingly, composites are not the invention of modern scientists. One example is lacquer, which was already known in ancient China.
Composites are widely used in many areas of the economy. They are often used in construction, for example, concrete and reinforced concrete, without which virtually nothing would be built. Glass and carbon fibers are used in the construction of modern machinery, including aircraft and facilities used during space flights. These materials are also used in the production of sports equipment. Skis, boats and javelins from carbon fiber are considered to be among the best – they enable to achieve amazing results. You can read more about the industrial use of composites in a variety of fields in this article: http://ajnabii.com/tech/diversified-uses-composites-multiple-markets.html.
As mentioned before, composites are increasingly being used in medicine and biomedicine. These materials are specially developed for the needs of specific fields. They are most often used to create high-quality implants. These include, among others, dental implants, but also internal implants that are created to replace e.g. joints or bones. High-quality composites are also used to create modern, light and functional prosthetics to replace selected parts of the body and allow the patient to remain fully functional and independent.
