Fibrous reinforced composites are classified according to matrix type into which three categories?

• A. Polymer, Ceramic, Metal
• B. Metal, Ceramic, Glass
• C. Polymer, Glass, Metal
• D. Polymer, Metal, Ceramic

Answer: (D)

The matrix material defines the category of fibrous reinforced composites. These materials are grouped by the continuous phase that holds the fibers together and transfers load—there are three main families: polymer-matrix composites, metal-matrix composites, and ceramic-matrix composites. Polymers as a matrix keep the composite light and easy to process; metals as a matrix give better high-temperature performance and strength-to-weight at the cost of higher density; ceramics as a matrix offer excellent thermal stability and chemical resistance but can be more brittle and harder to process. This is why the three categories are polymer, metal, and ceramic. The option listing glass as a separate category isn’t used here because glass is a type of ceramic; the standard classification uses ceramic rather than a distinct “glass” matrix category.