Final answer:
Plastics that gain strength from added fillers and fibers are called composites. These materials consist of a polymer matrix that supports reinforcement materials, such as glass or carbon fibers, to produce materials with superior properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plastics that increase in strength properties by adding filler and reinforcing fibers to the base resins are called composites. These materials combine a matrix, usually a polymer resin, with a reinforcement like glass fibers, carbon fibers, or aramid. The matrix material supports the reinforcement, helping to maintain its position and distribution within the composite. This configuration generates unique mechanical and physical properties, surpassing those of the individual constituent materials.
The most commonly used polymers for matrix materials in composites include polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy, and many others while widely chosen reinforcement materials involve glass fibers and carbon fibers. The reason composites are so advantageous is that they leverage the strength and stiffness of the reinforcement and the ductility of the polymer matrix to create materials capable of withstanding various stresses and loads. It's the synergetic effect between the matrix and the reinforcement that makes composites a highly desired engineering material for a multitude of applications.