Composites: Fiber Superheroes

When Superman debuted in the 1930s, the superhero quickly gained the nickname "Man of Steel" because he was invulnerable, as if he was wearing strong, impenetrable steel armor. But if Superman were created these days, maybe he would have to be called the "Man of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites."It's less catchy, to be sure, but it may be more realistic. After all, composites- or substances made of a combination of two or more materials- are beginning to encroach on the steel market, offering lighter, more efficient, and sometimes stronger alternatives. The market for end-product fiber-based composites is expected to reach about US$ 113.2 billion by 2022. What's more, the sector is anticipated to grow faster than the GDP of the United States (US), European Union (EU), and other developed economies. Nearly every industry is also seeing significant growth in demand for composites. For instance, the aerospace industry expects a 9.5% growth in composite demand between 2015 and 2021. The wind energy industry is right behind it, with an 8% expected growth during the same time period, and the construction and automotive industries' use of composites is quickly growing as well. The skyrocketing growth of and demand for textile-fiber composites indicates that they are necessary-and, as industries focus on lowering production costs, increasing end- product efficiency, and becoming more sustainable, composites fill that need nicely. What was once something of a niche product is now rapidly gathering mainstream steam. Composites are in our cars, bathrooms, boats, planes, surfboards, and pools. Composites are everywhere-but what are they, exactly?