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Safety and Health Topics |
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Composites |
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The composites industry in the United States includes three manufacturing areas:
polymers, metals, and ceramics. This Safety and Health Topics section deals with
that segment of the industry known as polymer matrix composites.
A composite is a material composed of a reinforcing fiber and a resin matrix.
Composites are classified according to their matrix phase (the material which
surrounds the fiber). Composite products range from skateboards to components of
the space shuttle. Materials within the composites industry are often called
"advanced" if they combine the properties of high strength and high stiffness,
low weight, corrosion resistance, and in some cases special electrical
properties. Several of the manufacturing processes and potential hazards are
common to both polymer matrix composites and advanced polymer matrix composites.
The following questions link to information relevant to composite hazards in the workplace.
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What
OSHA standards apply?
Standards |
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Where
can I find examples of hazards and possible solutions?
Hazard Recognition | Possible Solutions |
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What
additional information is available?
Related Safety and
Health Topics Pages |
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