Smart Materials: A Future for Composites

Abstract

Obviously, successive expertises in the processes of elementary materials are milestones which marked the early stages of mankind development (stone-age, bronze-age,...) and it is only since the beginning of the century that materials became multifunctional and required optimization of their different physical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties. The evolution is going on toward the concept and the process of composite or heterogeneous materials where somewhat opposite properties are often associated. Nowadays, another step is going to be done by introducing the concept of "intelligence". Different aspects of the concepts for intelligent composite materials (sensitive, adaptable, and adaptive materials) are discussed and illustrated through some realisations or projects which are developed in this promising field of interest.