Composites are used among a wide array of industries that rely on high-performance materials. For the aerospace, architecture, automotive, energy, infrastructure, marine, military, and sports markets, composites such as carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) and glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP) provide a low-cost, high-performance alternative to other materials. There is also a great deal of composites research and development that takes place in academia and in various market sectors. Composites have become essential building blocks for all types of structures and vehicles – including cars, planes, bridges, buildings, wind turbines, boats, bikes, body armor and more!
![Market Segments - Aerospace](https://compositesmanufacturingmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Market-Segments-Aerospace.jpg)
In recent years, aircraft engineers have been replacing traditional materials with composites. Composite materials are now a vital part of the construction of drones, commercial aircraft, jets and rockets.
![Market Segments - Architecture](https://compositesmanufacturingmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Market-Segments-Architecture.jpg)
All over the world, architects and designers are increasingly relying on fiberglass and other composites and advanced materials for large-scale projects, as well as commercial and residential buildings.
![Market Segments - Automotive](https://compositesmanufacturingmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Market-Segments-Automotive-Volkswagen.jpg)
The automotive industry relies on composites to reduce vehicle weight, improve vehicle performance and lower CO2 emissions. Composites are used for body panels, brake rotors and even wheels.
![Market Segments - Energy](https://compositesmanufacturingmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Market-Segments-Energy.jpg)
From high-performance fiberglass in wind turbines to electric vehicles and composite materials recycling, new advancements in composites and biocomposites are redefining the energy industry.
![Market Segments - Infrastructure](https://compositesmanufacturingmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Market-Segments-Infrastructure.jpg)
Fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are used in a variety of infrastructure applications to construct, reinforce and repair buildings, bridges, utility poles, roads and railways.
![Market Segments - Marine](https://compositesmanufacturingmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Market-Segments-Marine.jpg)
The marine industry is using cutting-edge composite manufacturing techniques, designs and materials to make boats stronger, lighter, cost-effective and more durable and damage-resistant.
![Market Segments - Military](https://compositesmanufacturingmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Market-Segments-Military.jpg)
Military engineers all over the world use lightweight composites, as opposed to more traditional materials, to improve the strength and durability of armored vehicles, drones, submarines and body armor.
![Market Segments - Sports & Recreation](https://compositesmanufacturingmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Market-Segments-Sports-Recreation.jpg)
Sports equipment manufacturers rely on composites to improve the performance of their products. Race car-, bike-, and sled-makers all use composites to achieve optimal aerodynamics and durability.
![Market Segments - University](https://compositesmanufacturingmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Market-Segments-University.jpg)
Research and development programs at colleges and universities around the world are collaborating with the composites industry to create life-changing applications and put them into practice.