Introduction

Fiber-reinforced composite materials consist of fibers of high strength and

modulus embedded in or bonded to a matrix with distinct interfaces (bound-

aries) between them. In this form, both fibers and matrix retain their physical

and chemical identities, yet they produce a combination of properties that cannot

be achieved with either of the constituents acting alone. In general, fibers are the

principal load-carrying members, while the surrounding matrix keeps them in the

desired location and orientation, acts as a load transfer medium between them,

and protects them from environmental damages due to elevated temperatures

and humidity, for example. Thus, even though the fibers provide reinforcement

for the matrix, the latter also serves a number of useful functions in a fiber-

reinforced composite material.