The term "composites" in reference to materials science refers to engineered materials where two or more primary materials are in some way combined to make use of properties of each. These advanced materials are often developed to make materials that are lighter, stronger, more or less flexible, more or less dense than the individual components taken on their own.
Composites have lead to advances in a wide variety of fields from sports equipment that is lighter, stronger, or more impact resistant; automotive technology such as carbon fiber used to make vehicles stronger, lighter, and more fuel efficient; and building products such as "smart" windows which can selectively block heat or light on demand.
