What are composite materials and technical textiles, and why do they combine properties traditional materials cannot?
Composite materials and technical textiles: how composites combine two or more materials for properties not possible alone (GRP, CFRP, MDF, concrete), and technical textiles engineered for performance (conductive, fire-resistant, microfibres, Kevlar), with their properties and uses.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE Design and Technology (C600) on composite materials and technical textiles: GRP and CFRP, how composites combine materials, and technical textiles such as conductive, fire-resistant, microfibres and Kevlar.
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What this dot point is asking
Eduqas C600 expects you to know composite materials and technical textiles. Composites combine two or more materials for properties not possible alone (GRP, CFRP, and everyday composites like MDF and concrete); technical textiles are engineered for performance (conductive, fire-resistant, microfibres, Kevlar). You need their properties and uses. In the written exam this is tested by defining a composite and explaining a use of CFRP, and by linking technical textiles to suitable uses.
Composite materials
- Glass reinforced plastic (GRP): glass fibres in a polymer resin; strong, light and corrosion-resistant, used for boat hulls, ponds, car body panels and water tanks.
- Carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP): carbon fibres in a polymer resin; an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio, used for racing bikes, F1 cars, aircraft and high-end sports gear (expensive).
- Everyday composites: MDF (wood fibres and resin), plywood (veneers and glue), and concrete (cement, aggregate and steel reinforcement bars).
The point of a composite is the combination: the fibre provides strength, the matrix holds it together and protects it, and together they outperform either alone.
Technical textiles
- Conductive fabrics: woven with conductive fibres to carry power or data; used in wearable electronics, heated clothing and touch-sensitive fabrics.
- Fire-resistant fabrics (e.g. Nomex): resist ignition and flame spread; used in firefighters' kit, racing suits and protective workwear.
- Microfibres: extremely fine fibres giving lightweight, breathable, water-repellent, easy-clean fabrics; used in sportswear and cleaning cloths.
- Kevlar: an aramid fibre with very high tensile strength and impact/cut resistance; used in body armour, protective gloves and helmets.
Try this
Q1. State what two things are combined to make carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP). [1 mark]
- Cue. Carbon fibres and a polymer resin (matrix).
Q2. Give a suitable use for Kevlar and the property that makes it suitable. [1 mark]
- Cue. Body armour (or protective gloves/helmets), because of its very high strength and impact/cut resistance.
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of WJEC Eduqas exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
Eduqas C600 20193 marksExplain what a composite material is, and explain why carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) is used for racing bike frames.Show worked answer →
A 3-mark question: marks for defining a composite and for the CFRP reasoning.
A composite material is made by combining two or more different materials to get properties that neither has alone, usually a strong fibre held in a matrix (binder).
CFRP combines carbon fibres (very strong and stiff) set in a polymer resin (which holds them in shape and spreads the load). The result has an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio, so a racing bike frame can be very strong and stiff yet very light, helping the rider accelerate and climb.
Markers reward: a composite combines materials for new properties (fibre plus matrix), and CFRP is used because it is very strong and stiff yet very light (high strength-to-weight). Saying CFRP is a single metal, or giving no property, loses marks.
Eduqas C600 20224 marksExplain two technical textiles and a use that each is suited to.Show worked answer →
A 4-mark Explain wants two technical textiles each with a suitable use.
Textile 1, Kevlar. Kevlar is an aramid fibre with very high tensile strength and excellent impact and cut resistance, so it is used in body armour, protective gloves and helmets where stopping impacts matters.
Textile 2, fire-resistant fabric (such as Nomex). It is engineered to resist ignition and the spread of flame, so it is used for firefighters' clothing and racing-driver suits where protection from fire is essential.
Other valid textiles: conductive fabrics (for wearable electronics and heated clothing) and microfibres (for fine, breathable, water-repellent sportswear). Markers reward two genuine technical textiles each linked to a suitable use. Two bare names with no use cap the mark at two.
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Sources & how we know this
- WJEC Eduqas GCSE (9-1) Design and Technology (C600) specification — WJEC Eduqas (2017)