Composite materials are advanced materials formed by combining two or more constituent materials with distinct physical and chemical properties through artificial composite processes. Typically, one material serves as the matrix (e.g., resin, metal, or ceramic), while the other functions as the reinforcing phase (e.g., fiber or particle).

The fundamental concept behind composite materials is to combine the advantageous properties of individual components while compensating for their respective shortcomings. This synergistic effect enables the resulting composite to exhibit superior performance that the original materials alone cannot achieve.

Main Application Areas of Composite Materials

1、 Aerospace Industry (The Most Advanced and Demanding Applications)
The aerospace sector was among the first to adopt composite materials on a large scale, demonstrating their significant value.
2、 Military Aircraft: For example, the U.S. F-22 and F-35 fighter jets incorporate composite materials accounting for over 30% of their structural weight. These materials are used in primary load-bearing components such as wings, fuselages, and tails, contributing to substantial weight reduction, improved stealth capabilities, and enhanced maneuverability.
3、Civil Aviation: The Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 utilize composite materials for more than 50% of their structural components. Key parts such as the fuselage and wings are constructed from carbon fiber composites. This results in significant weight savings (reducing fuel consumption by over 20%), resistance to metal fatigue and corrosion, and a reduction in the total number of required components.

Transportation Sector

1、 Automotive Industry：Body Components: Composite materials are used in hoods, roofs, doors, bumpers, and other body parts to achieve lightweighting, thereby reducing fuel or electricity consumption.

2、Structural Components: The BMW i3 and i8 series utilize carbon fiber-reinforced passenger cabins, achieving exceptional lightweight design while maintaining structural integrity.

3、Functional Components: Leaf springs, drive shafts, wheels, and battery enclosures (particularly important for electric vehicles) benefit from the high strength-to-weight ratio of composites.

4、Rail Transit: High-speed trains incorporate composite materials in components such as the locomotive nose cone, body panels, interior panels, seats, and sanitary facilities. These materials help reduce vehicle weight, lower energy consumption, and improve sound and thermal insulation.

5、Shipbuilding: From small yachts and sailboats to large patrol boats and minesweepers, glass fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) has become a mainstream material in shipbuilding due to its resistance to seawater corrosion, non-magnetic properties, and ease of molding.

New Energy and Environmental Protection Fields
1、Wind Power: Wind turbine blades represent one of the most successful applications of composite materials. Large blades (exceeding 80 meters in length) are predominantly made of glass fiber or carbon fiber composites, requiring exceptional strength, rigidity, and fatigue resistance.

2、Photovoltaics: Solar panel backsheets and support structures are often fabricated from composite materials to ensure long-term durability and weather resistance under outdoor conditions.

3、High-Pressure Vessels: Gas cylinders for storing compressed natural gas (CNG) and hydrogen (H₂) typically feature an aluminum or polymer inner liner wrapped with carbon or glass fiber. This design combines light weight with high strength, enabling safe containment of high-pressure gases.

Sports and Leisure Products

This is one of the most recognizable application areas for composite materials to the general public. Their use has significantly enhanced the performance of sports equipment.

Rackets: Tennis and badminton rackets benefit from carbon fiber composites, which provide superior elasticity and shock absorption.

Water Sports: Surfboards, kayaks, paddleboards, and sailing masts are commonly made from composite materials due to their lightweight and durable properties.

Bicycles: High-end bicycle frames are typically constructed from carbon fiber composites, achieving optimal lightweight and stiffness.

Construction Engineering and Infrastructure
1、 Structural Reinforcement: Carbon fiber sheets or plates are widely used for reinforcing and repairing concrete structures such as bridges, buildings, and tunnels. These materials offer high strength, ease of installation, and minimal impact on structural dimensions.

2、 Building Materials: Composite materials are used to fabricate decorative panels, skylights, cooling towers, water tanks (e.g., FRP tanks), and prefabricated bathrooms.

3、Innovative Structures: Composite materials are frequently employed in the construction of large building roofs and membrane structures.

4、 Electronics and Electrical Applications
Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs): The substrate material (e.g., FR-4) is a composite of glass fiber cloth and epoxy resin, offering excellent insulation and mechanical strength.

In conclusion, composite materials serve as the “skeleton” and “muscle” of modern industry. The breadth and depth of their application will continue to shape the trajectory of future technological and societal development.