Hardy Comosites

Abstract

Human endeavour towards continuous improvement in the quality of life has resulted in a host of new materials and new technologies. Material surfaces get exposed to various en-vironments and also come in contact with other surfaces, similar or dissimilar. Tailoring of material surfaces to suit critical areas of technology has become an art. With the emergence of new fibres of plastics, glass and carbon steel is no longer the strongest material. An imaginative blending of materials with tailored surfaces and incorporation of reinfor-cement materials in fibrous and nO:l-fibrous plans have created 'Hardy Composite3'. The composite systems are made up of metal, polymer or a ceramic matrix, a particulate or fibrous filler acting as reinforcement and a compatibilizer which tailors the surface and acts as an effective interface between the matrix and the reinforcement. The inherent strength of composites and their ability to withstand critical environment have revolutionized our transportation and communication systems, engineering goods, chemical equip-ment and packaging materials. Human organ prostheses have also become versatile by the availability of these new materials. The hardy composites, apart from their impact on our present lifestyles, breathe the message that 'unity is strength' and that diverse people can intermingle effectively resulting in composite cultures.