The physical properties of composite materials

A general review of the physical properties of composite materials of various types is presented. Dielectric properties, heat transport properties (thermal expansion, thermal conductivity, heat transfer behavior), and some properties governed by phase structure and periodicity (optical and magnetic domain behavior, superconductivity, heat transfer) are emphasized, while mechanical properties are covered only in relation to shrinkage and differential swelling of matrix and filler. A special section contrasts 'sum properties' and 'product properties' (behavior of one phase influencing that of another in the latter case). The review concludes with a brief discussion of custom designing of composite materials properties, with emphasis on the unidirectionally solidified InSb-NiSb system and its large magnetoresistive effect.