Question

Which building material is categorized as a polymer composite?

• A. Timber
• B. Brick
• C. Steel
• D. FRP (Fibre Reinforced Polymer)

Hint:

\textbf{Polymer Composite:} A material consisting of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibers or particles.
\textbf{FRP (Fibre Reinforced Polymer):} A type of polymer composite where fibers (glass, carbon, aramid, etc.) are embedded in a polymer resin matrix (epoxy, polyester, etc.). Widely used in construction.
Timber is a natural composite. Brick is ceramic. Steel is a metallic alloy.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

A polymer composite is a material made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties which, when combined, produce a material with characteristics different from the individual components. In a polymer composite, at least one of the components is a polymer (acting as the matrix or binder), and it is reinforced by another material (often fibers or particles). Let's analyze the options:
(a) Timber (Wood): Timber is a natural organic material derived from trees. It is a natural composite itself, composed mainly of cellulose fibers held together by a lignin matrix. While it contains natural polymers (cellulose, lignin), in material science classification, "polymer composite" usually refers to engineered materials where a synthetic or modified natural polymer matrix is combined with a distinct reinforcing phase. Timber is classified as a natural material or natural composite.
(b) Brick: Bricks are typically ceramic materials made by firing clay or shale. They are inorganic and not polymer-based.
(c) Steel: Steel is a metallic alloy, primarily composed of iron and carbon, with other elements. It is a metal, not a polymer composite.
(d) FRP (Fibre Reinforced Polymer): As discussed in Q72, FRP stands for Fibre Reinforced Polymer (or Fiber Reinforced Plastic). This is, by definition, a polymer composite. It consists of reinforcing fibers (e.g., glass, carbon, aramid) embedded within a polymer matrix (e.g., epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester resin). Therefore, FRP (Fibre Reinforced Polymer) is the building material categorized as a polymer composite among the given options. \[ \boxed{\text{FRP (Fibre Reinforced Polymer)}} \]