Many advances have been made in composite technology over the last few decades. Today, composites are used in industries ranging from aerospace to consumer electronics, domestic appliances and industrial machining, construction and automotive, and marine and sports equipment.
Composites, by definition, are an engineered or naturally occurring combination of two or more materials with notably different physical or chemical properties that retain their own identity, in that they are still distinguishable, and not fully blended after they are bonded or cured. These combinations produce a new material that features its own unique and superior characteristics.
Man has been making composites for centuries. One of the earliest noted man-made composite materials included straw and mud combined to form bricks for building construction. Composite materials take advantage of the strengths and abilities of different materials. In the example of straw and mud bricks, the mud is an outstanding binding material, but on its own, it will not stand up to compression and force very well. Straw, on the other hand, can withstand compression without crumbling or breaking. The combination of the two becomes an ideal composite solution for building construction.
As composite advancements have been made, newly engineered adhesives—specifically structural adhesives—have also been developed. These multi-purpose adhesives provide manufacturers the ability to construct new and improved product designs. As an integral part of numerous fabricated products, adhesives are now being recognized for their ability to not only form lasting bonds, but also to reduce the weight of composite parts. Adhesive layers weigh much less than bolts and rivets.