Composite Materials - Once Graphite Golf Clubs
Now Graphite Raquets to Fiber Cement Siding & Composite Decking
Aug 2, 2009
Once considered high tech and very costly, composite materials are readily available for an increasing number of applications. Graphite fibers with an epoxy binder form a very high strength composite.
Where light weight is the primary consideration and less strength is acceptable, fiberglass with a binder is a typical option. Where weather resistance is the primary focus, and structural strength is not a priority, cellulose with a plastic binder is a very good option. Examples of various composite materials can be found everywhere.
Composite Materials in Building Products
A form of composite materials that may be seen almost everyday is used in building products. Walk the aisles at the local home improvement store and see trim products made of cellulose fibers and plastic. Additionally, look at composite decking made of the same cellulose and plastic. Some of these will even use recycled plastics as the binder for the cellulose materials.
House siding is now made from cellulose fiber and cement. Typically, composite materials that are used in building products such as decking, exterior trim, siding, roofing, etc. are utilized for their ability to withstand the exterior elements and remain rot free, indefinitely.
Composite Materials in Sporting Goods
Most golfers have undoubtedly seen clubs with graphite composite shafts. Those who live for the opportunity to throw a “fly” out into the river in search of a trout are probably using a fishing rod manufactured from composites. Many tennis racquets are also manufactured from these same materials.
Performance bicycles are high end products in the racing world, and typically utilize frames made from composites. These golf club shafts, tennis racquets, fishing rods and racing bicycles are made from the same type of composite materials that are found in many aerospace applications.
Composite Materials in Aerospace
Composite materials are often specified for flight designs due to the light weight and high strength requirements. Fiberglass has been used for years to provide strength while weighing less (think Corvette). Space boosters commonly use graphite fiber filaments with an epoxy binder for light weight, high strength booster cases surrounding explosive solid propellant.
Airplanes use composites whenever possible to reduce weight and thus improve performance. The new Boeing 787 will even have composite toilet tanks, as well as composite water tanks, to reduce weight. Some of these filament composites are even used as structural members.
Composite Materials in Generating Renewable Energy
Composite materials are even helping to generate green energy! The blades for many windmills used in generating electricity are now made from these same materials.
When strolling down a quaint nostalgic street or through an early period shopping area, composite materials may be seen in the light poles which are replicas of gas lights and the earliest electric lights. Soon the poles supporting the windmill blades and generators may be made from composites as well.
Composite Materials in Everyday Life
Composite materials are expanding into a wide variety of niches in our lives. One of the hottest markets for composite materials is the aftermarket for cars. From graphite hoods and graphite fenders to carbon wheels, these materials are turning more possibilities into realities. The opportunities to use these composites and work with composites in our everyday lives are increasing dramatically. Look around, composite materials are everywhere! Boy Scouts can actually get a merit badge in Composite Materials! Yes, graphite golf clubs are still the big hit on tour.
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