| Composite building materials are formed from two | | | | thermoset composites, etc), metal matrix |
| or more distinctly different materials. When | | | | composites (white cast iron, hard metal and |
| combined, the properties of the newly formed | | | | metal-intermetallic laminate), ceramic matrix |
| material are superior to those of the individual | | | | composites (cement, reinforced carbon-carbon, |
| components. The process of combining is a | | | | etc) and engineered wood (plywood, oriented |
| physical practice rather than a chemical one, so | | | | strand board, and pykrete). |
| the composite materials feature the combined | | | | Composite materials are found in nature. An |
| properties of their ingredient materials. | | | | example is wood that contains cellulose fibers |
| Composite materials contain two types of | | | | reinforced by a polymeric substance like lignin. |
| constituent materials, matrix and reinforcement | | | | Wood is one of the most common materials used |
| materials. At least one variety of each type is | | | | in the construction industry. Straw and mud in the |
| necessary. The matrix material surrounds and | | | | form of bricks are the most primitive composite |
| supports other constituents by keeping their | | | | building materials. Other varieties are organic |
| relative positions. The reinforcement material | | | | matrix or ceramic aggregate composites |
| imparts special physical properties, such as | | | | (syntactic foam and asphalt concrete). |
| electrical and mechanical, to improve the matrix | | | | Concretes are made from the combination of |
| properties. | | | | aggregate and cement binder. They are used in |
| Composite materials are noted for characteristic | | | | the manufacturing of motorways/roads and all |
| properties such as high structural strength, | | | | building structures. Natural fiber composites (NFCs) |
| lightweight, resistance to chemical wear and | | | | are made up of natural fibers like wood or hemp |
| corrosion, toughness (impact strength), mechanical | | | | with artificial materials like recycled plastics. They |
| stiffness, heat resistance and ease of processing | | | | are generally inexpensive and can be easily |
| (manufacturing). Most materials are cost effective, | | | | molded into sheets, boards and frames. NFCs are |
| cause less public inconvenience and require lower | | | | used as an alternative for timber in fences, |
| long-term maintenance and replacement costs. | | | | railings, flooring, roofing, etc. The composite |
| Commonly used forms are fiber-reinforced | | | | materials like imitation granite and cultured marble |
| plastics (fiberglass, thermoplastic composites, | | | | sinks are also widely used. |