Alloy and composite materials are mixtures of two or more components.

Both have
different properties than the starting materials.
What is an Alloy?
Alloy is a mixture of two or more elements where at least one of them is metal. The
resulting alloy can be a solution or a solid. If only two components are mixed to produce
an alloy, it is known as a binary alloy. If there are three components, it is known as
ternary alloy. The amount of element in the alloy is normally measured and given by
mass (as percentages). Alloys can be also classified as homogeneous if they have a
single phase. If have several phases, those alloys are classified as heterogeneous. If
there isnt a distinct phase boundary, then they are known as intermetallic.
Alloys are produced from elements, to have improved qualities than the reactant
elements. They have different qualities than the reactant components. Normally alloys
have metallic properties, but they differ from pure metal elements. For example, alloys
dont have a single melting point. Rather, they have a range of melting points.
Steel is an example for alloy. It is made out of iron and carbon. Steel is stronger than
iron. The carbon percentage can vary depending on the grade, and mostly it is between
0.2% and 2.1% by weight. Though carbon is the main alloying material for iron, some
other elements like Tungsten, chromium, manganese can also be used for the purpose.
Different types and amounts of alloying element used determine the hardness, ductility
and tensile strength of steel. Alloying element is responsible for maintaining the crystal
lattice structure of steel by preventing dislocation of iron atoms. Thus, it acts as the
hardening agent in steel. The density of steel varies between 7,750 and 8,050 kg/m3
and, this is affected by the alloying constituents too.
Brass is another alloy which is made out of copper and zinc, but more durable than
copper and attractive than zinc. When producing jewelry from gold, silver, and platinum,
they are mixed with other elements, to make them more ductile and flexible.

What is a Composite?
Composite is a material made out of two or more constituent materials which are
chemically and physically different. Constituent materials are the individual materials
which makes the composite. There are two categories of them as matrix and
reinforcement. Usually matrix material supports the reinforcement material. The
constituent materials stay separately within the finished structure because they are
chemically and physically different, to mix with each other.
Composites can be synthetic or naturally occurring materials. Wood is a natural
composite. It is made up of cellulose fibers and a matrix of lignin. When preparing
composites, normally both matrix and reinforced materials are combined and
compacted. After this, the shape of the composite is set, and it wont change unless it is
affected by certain conditions.

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Composite Fillers and Reinforcements

Information
Composite Fillers and Reinforcements are used to change and improve the physical
and mechanical properties of plastics. Fillers and reinforcements may also be used
to lower material costs by reducing the volume of matrix resin required. Fillers are
used to modify or enhance properties such as thermal conductivity, electrical
resistivity, friction, wear resistance, and flame resistance. There are two basic types
of fillers: conductive fillers and extender fillers. Conductive filler is used to
increase electrical and thermal conductivity. Extender filler is used to reduce
material costs. Fiber reinforcement significantly affects the properties of the
compounds to which they are added. Reinforcements are specialized particulates,
fibers or fabrics used to strengthen or toughen plastic, metals or ceramics.
Fillers and reinforcements differ in terms of features and specifications. Carbon
fiber reinforcement is a non-woven, carbon fiber, epoxy-based grid that is used to
reduce cracking and extend life in concrete. Carbon fiber reinforcements are
relatively lightweight and corrosion resistant. Different polymer reinforcement
techniques are used to enhance the properties of polymers. Plastic filler can be
specified according to brightness, density, abrasion, fineness, and oil absorption.
Fiber reinforcement for concrete structures should have properties such as low
shrinkage, good thermal expansion, substantial modulus of elasticity, high tensile
strength, improved fatigue, and impact resistance. Fillers and reinforcements that
are characterized by a low aspect ratio between the longest and the shortest
dimensions are less changeable than unfilled polymers. When the aspect ratio
between the longest and the shortest dimension of the filler is greater than 25, the
filler can be characterized as a fiber.
Fillers and reinforcements are used in many applications and industries. Examples
include aerospace, appliances, automotive, construction, electronic, consumer
products, corrosion, and marine. Specialized fillers and reinforcements can also be
used in medical applications. Fillers and reinforcements adhere to standards
specified by the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), and the American Society of
Civil Engineers ASCE. The most commonly used fillers and extenders in
industries are aluminum powder, carbon fiber, graphite, calcium carbonate, silica
and clay.
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