Putting it together – science and technology of composite materials
Further Reading
November/December 1999, pages 31-32
Smart materials extend the life of cracked structures (by Kelly Tsoi)
Explains how smart materials can sense the presence of a growing crack and then close it.
September 1999, pages 38-39
Plastics with attitude (by Leon-Kane Maguire)
Discusses some of the uses of the latest smart plastics.
No. 130, 2006, page 35
New geopolymers have multiple benefits
Describes a new composite building material that is recyclable and produces lower emissions than concrete.
February 2008, pages 41-43
Fibre composites – weaving our engineering future (by Anthony Kelly)
Covers use of composites in aircraft and problems with their use.
February 2007, page 5
Wood-cement composite a winner (by David Salt)
Describes research on wood-cement composites that won three international prizes.
26 January 2008, pages 28-29
Hopes build for eco-concrete (by Rachel Nowak)
Investigates the potential of the geopolymer E-Crete to replace ordinary concrete.
7 October 2007
Smart composite detects and repairs airplane cracks (by Paul Marks)
Describes composite material that detects and repairs cracks in airplanes.
30 March 2007, page 25
‘Plastic plane’ takes shape
Reports on the use of a plastic composite in the assembly of the Boeing 787 jetliner.
15 July 2005, pages 38-41
Warning signs (by Paul Marks)
Describes the need for ways to monitor and predict when composite plastics used in planes are weak.
28 May 2005, page 21
Testing times for composite flight (by Paul Marks)
How will the new breed of composite aircraft be guaranteed safe to fly?
4 September 2004, page 28
Is this curtains for concrete? (by Mick Hamer)
Using tough, lightweight composites allows structures to be built or strengthened in days rather than months.
Inside Science (No. 137), 20 January 2001
Perfect partnerships (by Tom Matthams)
Describes combining different materials to produce a composite with the right attributes.
December 2007, pages 11-12
Repairs without rivets (by David Appell)
Explores a quick-fix alternative for bridges using carbon-fibre composites.
October 1999, pages 44-51
Why things break (by Mark E. Eberhart)
Explains how it is possible to predict whether a solid shatters or bends.
Page updated August 2009.