Composites

Aesthetic, functional and mechanical properties, structural composition, application and advantages/disadvantages of the following composites used by the graphics industry:

carbon fibreglass reinforced plastics (GRP)

medium density fibreboard (MDF).

So, what’s a composite? Composite materials, often shortened to composites or

called composition materials, are engineered or naturally occurring materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties which remain separate and distinct within the finished structure.

A common example of a composite would be disc brake pads, which consist of hard ceramic particles embedded in soft metal matrix. Another example is found in shower stalls and bathtubs which are made of fibreglass. Imitation granite and cultured marble sinks and countertops are also widely used. The most advanced examples perform routinely on spacecraft in demanding environments

Reference:wikipedia

So what’s so good about carbon fibre? http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/the-history-and-uses-of

-carbon-fibre/13750.html and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRefml7THbY

Aesthetics?Properties?Structural composition?

You tell me.

Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP)What’s it made from?Why is it usedHow is it finished?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOo8gxp3K3w

What applications can be used in graphics?

Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) What are its properties? Aesthetics – how is it finished

‘Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) is an engineered wood product formed by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibres, often in a defibrator, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and forming panels by applying high temperature and pressure.[1]

MDF is denser than plywood. It is made up of separated fibres, but can be used as a

building material similar in application to plywood. (except not outdoors)

It is stronger and much more dense than normal particle board

Ref: wikipedia