Classification and characteristics of the three major composite materials: FRP, MMC, and CMC.
Overview
Types of Composite Materials
Composite materials are broadly classified into three types based on the matrix material: FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Plastics/Polymer Matrix Composites), MMC (Metal Matrix Composites), and CMC (Ceramic Matrix Composites). FRP is characterized by its lightweight and high specific strength, widely used in aircraft and automobiles. MMC combines the toughness of metals with the high strength of fibers, suitable for engine components. CMC possesses ultra-high heat resistance and is utilized in extreme environments such as gas turbines and thermal protection systems.
composite materials
FRP
MMC
CMC
materials engineering
advanced materials
lightweight
| code | slug | name | description | applications | keyProperties | matrixMaterial | maxTemperature | reinforcement | fiberType | parentType |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PMC | polymer-matrix-composite | Polymer Matrix Composite (FRP) | Composite materials with polymer resin as matrix, characterized by lightweight and high specific strength. | ["Aircraft structures","Automotive body panels","Wind turbine blades","Sports equipment","Construction materials"] | ["Lightweight","High specific strength","Corrosion resistance","Good moldability"] | Polymer (Resin) | Approx. 200-300°C | Glass fiber, Carbon fiber, Aramid fiber | ||
| MMC | metal-matrix-composite | Metal Matrix Composite | Composite materials with metal as matrix, characterized by high strength and heat resistance. | ["Engine components","Brake discs","Heat exchangers","Electronic packaging","Aerospace components"] | ["High strength","Wear resistance","Good thermal conductivity","High-temperature strength"] | Aluminum, Magnesium, Titanium, Copper | Approx. 400-600°C | Ceramic particles/fibers, Carbon fibers | ||
| CMC | ceramic-matrix-composite | Ceramic Matrix Composite | Composite materials with ceramics as matrix, characterized by ultra-high heat resistance. | ["Gas turbine blades","Aircraft thermal protection systems","Nuclear reactor components","Industrial furnaces","Rocket engine components"] | ["Ultra-high heat resistance","Thermal shock resistance","Creep resistance","Corrosion resistance"] | Silicon carbide, Aluminum oxide, Silicon nitride | Above 1200°C | Ceramic fibers, Carbon fibers | ||
| GFRP | glass-fiber-reinforced-plastic | Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastic | FRP reinforced with glass fibers, characterized by low cost and electrical insulation. | ["Construction reinforcement","Marine vessels","Storage tanks","Piping","Wind turbines"] | ["Low cost","Electrical insulation","Corrosion resistance","Lightweight"] | Glass fiber | PMC | |||
| CFRP | carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic | Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic | FRP reinforced with carbon fibers, characterized by ultra-high strength and lightweight properties. | ["Aircraft wings and fuselages","Luxury automobiles","Racing bicycles","Satellites","Sports equipment"] | ["Ultra-high specific strength","Ultra-high specific stiffness","Fatigue resistance","Lightweight"] | Carbon fiber | PMC | |||
| AFRP | aramid-fiber-reinforced-plastic | Aramid Fiber Reinforced Plastic | FRP reinforced with aramid fibers, characterized by high toughness and impact resistance. | ["Bulletproof vests","Helmets","Aircraft components","Tires","Ropes and cables"] | ["High toughness","Impact resistance","Wear resistance","Ballistic protection"] | Aramid fiber (Kevlar, etc.) | PMC |