Menu
By Louise Shorrock
The composites sector, a realm where innovation meets craftsmanship, holds a treasure trove of fascinating facts that often go unnoticed. In this blog, we embark on a journey through the world of composites, uncovering unique and surprising aspects that contribute to the sector’s allure.
Moon landing, anyone… Composites weren’t just bystanders in the space race; they were the silent heroes. Remember the Apollo 11 lunar module that touched down on the moon? Packed with composites, it proved you can be lightweight and tough as nails – a must-have for interstellar adventures.
Super strong, super light: Carbon fiber’s got it all. This isn’t your grandma’s yarn. Carbon fiber is five times stronger than steel, but lighter – talk about defying physics! So, it’s no wonder you’ll find it in everything from sleek race cars to soaring airplanes.
Ancient egyptians were way ahead of the game… Don’t be fooled by fancy labs; people have been rocking composites for millennia. Over 3,000 years ago, the Egyptians were using straw-reinforced clay to build stronger, longer-lasting bricks. Talk about sustainable!
Nature’s masterpiece: Bamboo is a built-in composite… Mother nature knows best, and bamboo proves it. This natural wonder combines tough fibers with a strong matrix, making it a sustainable alternative for everything from buildings to furniture. Talk about green tech with a prehistoric twist.
From astronauts to athletes: Composites heal too. They’re not just for spaceships and fancy cars, you know. Composites are making waves in the medical field, with carbon fiber finding its way into bone plates and artificial joints. Strong, biocompatible, and ready to mend broken bodies – who knew?!
Say goodbye to boxy designs: Composites bend the rules – Unlike their rigid counterparts, composites are all about flexibility. You can mold them, twist them, and shape them into mind-bending structures that would leave traditional materials weeping in the corner. Get ready for some seriously out-of-this-world designs!
Bulletproof badass: Protecting lives with Aramid. Kevlar, anyone? This wonder fiber, used in everything from bulletproof vests to firefighter gear, showcases the life-saving potential of composites. They may look sleek, but they’re tough as nails when it comes to keeping us safe.
Green is the new black: Sustainable composites are here: Forget the “composites are bad for the planet” myth. Researchers are busy developing eco-friendly versions, like those made from recycled materials. So, you can have your high-tech materials and protect the Earth too – win-win!
Bridges to the future: Composites span more than just gaps. Move over, steel! Composite bridges are popping up everywhere, boasting longer lifespans, rust-proof attitudes, and lower maintenance costs. They’re like the superheroes of infrastructure, ready to connect us for generations to come.
From your phone to your car, composites are everywhere! Look around – that sleek phone case, the lightweight parts in your car, even the tennis racket you swing every weekend – they’re all hiding a secret, they’re made with composites! These versatile materials are woven into the fabric of our daily lives, proving they’re not just a futuristic fad.
As we unravel these intriguing facts within the composites sector, it becomes evident that these materials are not just a technological marvel but a key player in reshaping industries across the globe. The ongoing innovations, coupled with the historical roots of composite materials, emphasise their enduring impact on the way we design, build, and interact with the world around us. The composites sector, with its rich history and boundless potential, continues to be a source of inspiration for engineers, scientists, and innovators alike.
Get in touch with Louise to see how she can support you in your search for out of this world talent:
Call: +44 1606 212020
Email: [email protected]
