**1.2 Pros and cons of composites materials**

#### *1.2.1 Pros of composites*

Composite materials have various advantages that can be used for different applications. Composite materials are very lightweight and have a low density

**Figure 1.** *Concept of biocomposite.*

## *Eco-Friendly and Biodegradable Green Composites DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.98687*

making it easier to mold into complex forms and modules like Modular construction. These materials have a high specific stiffness, creep resistance and strength with an improved friction and wear properties. Composites have low thermal expansion and electrical conductivity giving rise to good dumping properties and good fatigue resistance. These composite materials are easily bondable, have lower radar visibility and have the capability to store and release internal energy, leading to a lower overall system cost. Composite products are known to have excellent heat sink properties. The mechanical properties such as strength-weight ratio, stiffnessweight ratio and fatigue properties of the composite products are better than most of the common engineering metals like steel or aluminum. With improved corrosion resistance and a high resistance to impact damage, the composites have indefinite shelf life just like metals. Composites can be used to obtain a varied combination of properties which cannot be attained in other materials such as polymers, ceramics or metals alone. One of the major advantages of composites is the ability to incorporate sensors into the matrix which can be used to monitor and correct the material performance, giving rise to a range of applications towards Smart composites (**Table 1**).
