ABSTRACT
A composite is a material made through the combination of two materials: a fibrous cloth or sheet embedded in a matrix of hardened polymer. Thermoform plastics begin as rigid sheets of plastic, but become pliable and flexible when heated. Thermoform plastics allow prop builder to quickly form hollow shapes over forms, in molds, or freehand in the air. Leather becomes very pliable after it is soaked. Most of the leather prop builders find in stores is “chrome tanned” leather. This includes garment leather, dress leather, and all the other leathers with finished surfaces. “Millinery buckram” is an open-weave fabric impregnated with starch and used in hatmaking and costume crafts. Industrial felt is a heavy-duty blend of wool and other fibers. Like textiles, fiberglass cloth can be woven in many different ways, such as plain or twill, and comes in rolls of various widths.
