1 - Introduction to hybrid composite materials

Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of hybrid composite materials, including their mechanical attributes, methods, techniques, and applications. Recently, hybrid composite materials have become more attractive due to their well-absorbed properties compared to synthetic fiber-reinforced composites. This chapter further discusses that hybrid composite materials are beneficial in producing automobile parts, replacing synthetic materials from the market, and saving the environment. Hybrid fiber polymer composite materials provide good strength both in tension and compression. These materials have good impact strength while low in weight and cost. The mechanical attributes of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites are poorer than synthetic fiber-reinforced polymer composites. In the last year, there has been an increased emphasis on the capacity of hybrid and hierarchical composites to provide property-specific solutions to design difficulties, issues that cannot be resolved using homogenous materials. The more established organic–inorganic hybrids have seen significant advancements, while the hierarchical composite study fields have developed bioinspired and biomimetic hierarchical composites. The synthetic–natural hybrid fiber composite provides low thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity, so it can be used in many applications such as automobiles and aerospace, where insulation is required.