Final answer:
A Composite material is created by combining two or more different substances, resulting in a material with characteristics that are distinct from its individual components. Utilized in various industries, these materials offer tailored properties like increased durability and decreased weight, suitable for products such as boat hulls and countertops.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Composite material is a term used to describe a material made from two or more different substances with varying physical or chemical properties. When these substances are combined, they create a composite material that exhibits characteristics distinct from its individual components. Such materials are versatile and have a wide range of applications, particularly in construction and manufacturing.
The strength of composite materials comes from the combination of materials that are individually selected for their beneficial properties. By combining these materials, engineers and designers can create products that are lightweight, durable, and resistant to environmental damage or corrosion.
For example, external sources such as glass fibers or carbon fibers can be used alongside a plastic resin to create a strong, yet lightweight composite material. These materials are then utilized in various fields to create products like bridges, boat hulls, racing car bodies, and even household items such as bathtubs and countertops. This ability to tailor the properties of composites by carefully choosing the constituent materials makes them invaluable in modern engineering and construction.