The application of composite materials in the aerospace industry

The paper investigates the growing popularity of composite materials concentrating on explanation of their advantages, especially taking into consideration composite materials used in the aerospace industry such as polymer matrix composites, metal matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites and smart composite materials. Various types of matrices and fibers are described with special emphasis on nanotechnology and opportunities to improve the properties of composites. The paper also presents selected examples of applications in the aerospace industry.