What are the factors that affect the composite properties?

There are various factors upon which the properties of the composite depend. Following are the various factors:

1. Properties of the constituent materials. Apart from this, the properties of other phases present, like additives, fillers and other reaction phases also affect the properties of the composite.
2. Length of the fibre.
3. Orientation of the fibres (with respect to the loading direction).
4. Cross sectional shape of the fibre.
5. Distribution and arrangement of the fibres in the matrix material.
6. Proportions of the fibre and matrix material, that is, volume fractions of the constituent materials.

Notation for Composite Designation:
           
The composites are designated by the combination of the fibre and matrix system. The fibre and matrix materials are separated by a slash  , that is, fibre material/matrix material. Further, one needs to specify the volume fractions of the constituents. In general, the fibre volume fraction is specified. For example: AS4/PEEK, , that is, a carbon composite with AS4 fibres and PEEK as the matrix material with fibre volume fraction of 45%. Other examples are: T300/5208, T700/M21, Kevlar/Epoxy, Boron/Al, SCS-6/Ti-15-3, S₂ Glass/Epoxy.