How Composites Came To Be A Part Of Today's Manufacturing Processes

To make a composite, a minimum of two materials are merged. This results in a product that is stronger and different to the original materials. The history of composites can be traced back to Egypt circa 1500 B.C. This was when Mesopotamian people found that combining straw and mud produced a material that made for long lasting buildings. They also found that straw added strength to many other items, such as boats and household pottery.  The people of Mongolia took this one step further in 1200 A.D. when they produced a bow made of composite material. This bow was made by joining bone, wood and a glue made from animal products. To keep the bow’s shape in place, it was wrapped in bark from a birch tree. The accuracy and power of this bow were its most impressive traits. Genghis Khan used this bow to create a stronghold in his area, and the bow remained a force to be reckoned with until gunpowder was created.

Plastics were the beginning of modern day composites. Before plastics, resins were produced naturally from animal and plant products. Polyester, vinyl and polystyrene all appeared once the 1900s arrived. Nature based resins could not compete once these products were discovered.

But even plastics were not strong enough for the structural developments that were taking place. These developments needed a product that could give rigid strength and reinforcement. To address this problem, Owens Corning developed fiberglass in 1935. The strength that is created when plastic polymers and fiberglass meet is very useful. FRP – Fiber Reinforced Polymers – is the collective name given to this industry.

World War 2 – Advancement In Composites

War was a motivating factor to make changes quickly to the way composites were produced and used. The advent of the second World War hastened the growth within the FRP industry. To help the advances in military aircraft, more lightweight products were needing to be developed. While strength and weight were truly beneficial, it was quickly noticed that composites could offer so much more. For example, radio frequencies cannot detect products made of fiberglass, so this made it perfect for radar equipment.

Moving Composites Into Everyday Use

When the second world war ended, the composite field was booming. Although military need dropped off, the changes in composites were being touted to other industries. One of the most apparent uses for composites were boats, and 1946 saw the production of the first commercially produced boat hull. Brandt Goldsworthy made a lot of advances in composite manufacturing techniques around this time. One of his more famous successes was the production of a fiberglass surfboard. One of the processes that Goldsworthy perfected is called pultrusion. This process is still used in everyday life to make products such as medical machinery, the rails on a ladder and handles for tools.

Composites Continue To Change

When the 1970s rolled around, composites were really starting to get into a groove. Advances were continually made in fibers and resins. Kevlar was developed around this time by DuPont. This high-tech product has such strength that is is a standard for security and armor products. Carbon fiber also appeared around this time and continues to grow in popularity. This industry continues to grow each year, and renewable energy is the new buzz focus for composites. The blades for wind turbines are one area where composites can have a huge impact on the environment.

What Does The Future Hold?

It is envisaged that resin and fiber advances will continue, and that nano-materials will play a part in this growth. Research will continue so that an improvement in all materials and the manufacturing of them keeps making progressive steps. Producing new composites that are earth-friendly will become more focused. Plastics that are being recycled and polymers that are bio-based will be used to make the new breed of resin. The impact on the earth will be a positive one, without compromising the strength and durability composites provide.