Composite Materials in Railways
Introduction to composites and FRPs For a composite material to be considered a real composite, it must have two components whose combined strength is greater than that of the sum of their individual components. 1+1 doesn't equal 2 in the world of composites. A composite material can take several forms, such as particleboard, for example (wood and glue). Figure: FRP Composites A resin and a structural fiber are the two main components of FRP composite materials. FRP composites employ a wide range of fiber reinforcements. Composites manufacturers have traditionally relied on low-cost glass fiber (fiberglass) as their primary material. The great tensile strength of aramid fiber, such as that found in DuPont's Kevlar trademarked product, makes it excellent for ballistic and impact applications. Its high modulus-to-weight ratio makes it possible to create lightweight and strong structures with carbon fiber, another common reinforcing fiber. Although various fibers, such as bas...