Composite Materials

A particle has no long dimension. Particle composites consist of particles of one material dispersed in a matrix of a second material. Particles may have any shape or size, but are generally spherical, ellipsoidal, polyhedral, or irregular in shape. They may be added to a liquid matrix that later solidifies; grown in place by a reaction such as agehardening; or they may be pressed together and then inter-diffused via a powder process. The particles may be treated to be made compatible with the matrix, or they may be incorporated without such treatment. Particles are most often used to extend the strength or other properties of inexpensive materials by the addition of other materials.