Benefits of Composite Materials ( I )

Composite materials are materials made up of two or more than two substances in different ways. They can bring into play the advantages of various materials, overcome the defects of single materials and expand the application scope of materials.

Due to its advantages of light weight, high strength, convenient processing and molding, excellent elasticity, chemical resistance and good weatherability, the composite material has been gradually replaced by wood and metal alloy and widely used in aerospace, automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, fitness equipment and so on. In recent years the composite material has been rapid development.

With the development of science and technology, the technology of resin and fiberglass continuously improve, and the manufacture ability of manufacturers is generally improved, making the price cost of glass fiber reinforced composite material accepted by many industries, but the strength of glass fiber reinforced composite material is not enough to match with metal.

Therefore, carbon fiber and boron fiber reinforced composites have come out one after another, which makes the family of polymer composites more complete, and has become an essential material for many industries. At present, the annual output of composite materials in the world has reached about 5500000 tons, with an annual output value of more than 130 billion dollars. If we take the high-value products of European and American military aviation and aerospace into account, its output value will be even more amazing.

Globally, the world composites are mainly produced in Europe, the United States and East Asia. In recent years, production and demand for composite materials in Europe and the United States have continued to grow. While in Asia, Japan is sluggish due to the sluggish economy. However, the market in China, especially in mainland China, is growing rapidly.

According to the statistics of PPG company, the world’s major composite producer, the global share of the composite material in Europe in 2000 is about 32%, and the annual output is about 2 million tons. Meanwhile, the average annual growth rate of composite materials in the United States in 1990s is about 2 times the GDP growth rate of the United States, reaching 4%~6%.

In 2000, the annual output of composite materials in the United States reached 1 million 700 thousand tons. In particular, the rapid growth of automotive composite materials has led to the rise of American cars in the global market. In recent years, the development of composite materials in Asia is closely related to the overall changes in the political economy, and the share of the countries has changed greatly. Overall, Asian composite materials will continue to grow, with a total output of about 1 million 450 thousand tons in 2000, with a total output expected to reach 1 million 800 thousand tons in 2005.