Question Constellation Sign up for free AQA · GCSE · Chemistry · Higher
Composite material component roles
Bicycle frames can also be made from a composite of carbon fibres embedded in a polymer resin.
What description is given in this composite to the carbon fibre component and the polymer resin component?
Write your answer first. You can study the marking guidance whenever you need it.
Study the marking See what earns credit and compare it with a full-mark answer.
Marking points
- 1 Identifies carbon fibre as the reinforcement or as reinforcing the resin.
- 2 Identifies polymer resin as the matrix/binder or as binding the fibres.
Full-mark answer
Carbon fibre: reinforcement. Polymer resin: matrix (binder).
Why this answer loses marks
The carbon fibres are the matrix and the resin is the reinforcement.
The roles are reversed: the fibres strengthen the composite, while the resin surrounds and binds them.