Composite

Polymers consist of long-chain molecules, while composites combine two distinguishable materials so that they work together. Metals form another important comparison group. Each group includes materials with different properties, so information about the particular material matters more than a broad label.

Glass, clay ceramics, polymers, composites and metals are families of materials. Each family contains many different examples, so its name alone does not determine an exact set of properties. Soda-lime glass and borosilicate glass differ, for example, just as different polymers and metal alloys differ.

Glass and clay ceramics, polymers, composites and metals are groups of materials, not five substances with one fixed set of properties. A glass pane, a fired-clay tile and a steel beam behave differently, but even two types of glass or steel can have different values. A quantitative comparison uses a measured property, a value and a unit for particular materials.

Composites, which combine distinct materials. Examples include steel-reinforced concrete and carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer, abbreviated to CFRP. Their properties depend on the components and how they are arranged.