Final answer:
Composite materials are made from a combination of constituents, with common examples including polymer-matrix composites that use reinforcing fibers in a polymer resin. They are widely used for structural applications and the lumber industry uses them to efficiently utilize byproducts like sawdust and wood chips.
Step-by-step explanation:
The products described are composite materials, which are substances made from two or more constituent materials with different properties that, when combined, produce a material with characteristics different from the individual components. For example, a polymer-matrix composite consists of reinforcing fibers like glass, carbon, or wood fibers, embedded in a polymer matrix. The polymer matrix, often called a resin, can vary based on the starting raw materials, with common types including polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy, and others.
The resulting composite materials are used in a wide range of applications such as buildings, bridges, boats, and home improvement products. The lumber industry often uses the byproducts of solid wood, such as sawdust and wood chips, to make additional composite products like plywood and particleboard. These composites are more efficient to transport and can be used in various applications while also reducing the environmental impact by utilizing otherwise wasted materials.