5 Myths About Composites (and the Truth Behind Them)

Composites have revolutionized industries from construction and automotive to aerospace and consumer goods. But despite their widespread use, they’re still widely misunderstood. Many assume that composites are just plastics—cheap, weak, or unreliable compared to materials like steel, concrete, and aluminum. But that perception doesn’t align with reality!

In this blog, we’re debunking five common myths about composites to reveal why they’re stronger, more durable, and more versatile than traditional materials.

Myth #1: Composites Are Just Plastic 

The Truth: Not all plastics are created equal

It’s easy to assume composites are just another type of plastic, but that’s far from the truth. While some low-grade thermoplastics (like food containers and disposable packaging) are flimsy and heat-sensitive, high-performance composites are designed for maximum durability, strength, and heat resistance.

Consider the attributes of thermoplastics versus thermoset composites:

• Thermoplastics soften when exposed to heat, making them flexible but less structurally sound.
• Thermoset composites, like epoxy-reinforced composites, are rigid, heat-resistant, and capable of withstanding extreme conditions.

These high-performance composite materials are used in aircraft, bridges, wind turbines, and automotive crash structures, proving that composites are far from weak.

Myth #2: Composites Aren’t as Strong as Traditional Materials

The Truth: Composites can be engineered to be stronger, lighter, and more impact-resistant than other materials

A common misconception is that only materials like metal are tough enough to provide the necessary strength for industrial applications. In reality, composites offer a better strength-to-weight ratio than materials like steel, timber, or aluminum.

• Designed Failure Points: Unlike metal, composites can be engineered to absorb impact energy efficiently, making them ideal for crash structures, guardrails, and protective applications.
• Lightweight & High-Strength: Did you know Formula 1 racecars rely on carbon fiber composites to maintain extreme strength without adding weight? Aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment also rely on carbon fiber composites for superior durability and safety without excess weight.
• Reinforcement & Resilience: The use of composites extends even further to applications like reinforcing bridges, parking structures, and pipelines, extending their lifespan and keeping them more resilient than steel or concrete.

Across industries, composites are delivering lighter, stronger, and more resilient solutions than traditionally relied-on materials.  

Myth #3: Composites Are Too Expensive to Be Practical

The Truth: The long-term savings outweigh the initial investment

It’s true that composites can have a higher upfront cost than traditional materials, but when you look at the long-term benefits, they’re often more cost-effective.

• Durability & Maintenance Savings: Composites last significantly longer than metal or wood, reducing repair and replacement costs over time.
• Lower Transportation & Installation Costs: Lightweight composites reduce fuel consumption in transportation and make installation easier and cheaper compared to heavier materials.
• Energy Savings in Automotive & Aerospace: Lighter vehicles and aircraft mean less fuel consumption, lower operating costs, and reduced emissions.

For industries where material failure leads to costly downtime—such as pipelines, construction, and aviation—composites offer a more economical solution over time.

Myth #4: Composites Aren’t Environmentally Friendly

The Truth: Composites contribute to sustainability in multiple ways

There’s a misconception that composites aren’t eco-friendly, but actually, they contribute to sustainability across industries.

• Lifespan Extension: Unlike traditional materials that degrade or rust, composites help reduce material waste by extending the lifespan of buildings, infrastructure, and vehicles.
• Lower Carbon Emissions: Lightweight composites improve fuel efficiency in cars, planes, and other methods of shipping and transportation, reducing overall emissions.
• Recyclability & Sustainable Innovation: The composites industry is actively developing more recyclable, biodegradable, and bio-based composite materials, making them an increasingly green choice.

Used strategically, composites can reduce environmental impact by making industries more energy-efficient and less wasteful.

Myth #5: Composites Are Difficult to Work With

The Truth: New advancements are making composite installation, repairs, and manufacturing easier than ever

While some early composites required specialized handling, today’s technological advancements have made them easier to install and maintain.

• Rapid Curing Technologies: High-Tg composites cure at room temperature, eliminating the need for expensive and slow oven curing.
• Field-Ready Solutions: Composite wraps for pipeline repair and structural reinforcement reduce downtime and offer easy application for on-site crews.
• Innovative Manufacturing Processes: Automated production techniques have made composite manufacturing faster, more precise, and more scalable than ever before.

From construction to aerospace, composites are now more accessible and user-friendly, making them a preferred choice for engineers and manufacturers worldwide.

Copps Industries: Setting the Record Straight on Composites 

The misconceptions about composites are fading as industries continue to discover their versatility, strength, and sustainability benefits.

1. Composites aren’t just plastic—they’re high-performance materials built for extreme durability.
2. They’re stronger and more impact-resistant than many traditional materials.
3. The long-term savings and durability outweigh the upfront investment in composite materials. 
4. They play a key role in sustainability, extending the lifespan of structures, reducing emissions, and promoting eco-friendly innovations.
5. Advancements in technology have made composites easier than ever to manufacture, install, and repair.

The next time you question whether composites are a viable alternative, remember: Composites are shaping the future of construction, transportation, and beyond. At Copps Industries, we’ve been busting myths about composite epoxy systems since 1979. Reach out to us to learn more about our lineup of solutions and custom-tailored formulations.