What is a composite material?

A composite material is defined as a combination of two or more different materials that, when combined, create a material with enhanced properties compared to the individual components. These materials work together to produce characteristics such as increased strength, reduced weight, improved durability, or resistance to environmental factors. The key aspect of composite materials is that each constituent retains its distinct properties even after the combination, which allows for synergies that can be exploited for specific applications.

For example, fiberglass is a composite material made from glass fibers embedded in a resin. The glass fibers provide tensile strength, while the resin adds flexibility and environmental resistance. This characteristic of retaining the individual properties while working together as a unit is what sets composite materials apart from single materials or homogeneous mixtures. A composite's performance typically surpasses that of its individual components, making it a favored choice in many engineering and construction applications.

The other options describe different concepts: a single material refers to a uniform substance without composite properties, a metal alloy combines multiple metals but may not necessarily retain individual characteristics like composites do, and a type of polymer is a specific class of materials, often not composite in nature unless combined with other materials.