Polymer Science and Polymer Chemistry

Carbon, ceramic and metal Matrix composites

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are a special type of composite material in which both the reinforcement (refractory fibers) and matrix material are ceramics. In some cases, the same kind of ceramic is used for both parts of the structure, and additional secondary fibers may also be included.

Composites are usually classified by the type of material used for the matrix. The four pri- mary categories of composites are polymer matrix composites (PMCs), metal matrix compos- ites (MMCs), ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), and carbon matrix composites (CAMCs).

The most common type are polymer matrix composites. They are produced in the largest quantities, due to their good room temperature properties, ease of manufacture and low cost. There are two main types of polymer composite matrix materials, thermoplastics and thermosetting resins.