Composite: The Material That Makes Life Easier

Technology is advancing at a dizzying pace. In our daily lives, we are constantly encountering new materials and new concepts. One of the terms we hear frequently alongside technology is composite. But what is this composite? Composite refers to obtaining a new material with novel properties by combining at least two different materials. Compared to conventional materials, composites are more durable and lighter, providing a significant advantage. Composite design is easier. The resulting material is fire-resistant. Moreover, it carries environmentally friendly properties. For this reason, the use of composite materials is becoming increasingly widespread in every sector. From aerospace to defense industry, from automotive to dentistry, composite materials are now being used across a wide range of applications.

Core (Intermediate) Materials

Composite materials, fundamentally obtained by bringing together fibers and resins through various production methods, become more rigid, stronger and lighter when core (intermediate) materials are also added to the structure. Thanks to core materials, while the durability of the composite structure increases, its weight decreases. Composites obtained using core materials are referred to as sandwich-structured composites. The most frequently used core materials are honeycomb and foams.

Honeycomb

Core materials with a honeycomb appearance consisting of very thin cells with hexagonal geometry can be produced from various materials such as polypropylene (PP), aramid, aluminum and paper. Honeycomb-structured core materials are used particularly in structures requiring high mechanical strength where energy resulting from impact is absorbed. Sandwich composites obtained using PP honeycomb core materials are preferred especially in the automotive, marine and construction sectors. Thanks to special additives, PP honeycombs with improved fire-resistance properties meet many fire-resistance standards.

Paper honeycombs are used in obtaining more economical and lightweight products.

Foams

Polymeric foam core materials enable the production of quite lightweight sandwich composite structures. PET, PVC, polyurethane and SAN-based foams, which can be produced at density values in the range of 40–300 kg/m³, offer excellent strength-to-weight ratios. PET-based foams are preferred especially in sandwich structures where advanced fire-resistance properties are required. Due to the material structure of PET, its flame-retarding property is high, and smoke and toxic gas emissions remain lower compared to other foams.

Advanced Technology Foams

With developing technology, the properties of core materials are also improving. Fiber-reinforced foams emerge as advanced technology core materials. As a result of reinforcing the foam structure with fibers in many directions, higher-strength sandwich composite structures can be obtained. These new-generation core materials are attracting particular interest from the automotive and construction sectors. Burak Darcan - Founder and Chief Executive Officer / Tila Kompozit Temsilcilik İç ve Dış Tic. Ltd. Şti.

Nidaplast honeycombs used in the furniture sector

Polypropylene parts used in transport

3Dcore