This fully expanded and updated edition provides both scientists and engineers with all the information they need to understand composite materials, covering their underlying science and technological usage. It includes 4 completely new chapters on surface coatings, highly porous materials, bio-composites and nano-composites, as well as thoroughly revised chapters on fibres and matrices, the design, fabrication and production of composites, mechanical and thermal properties, and industry applications. Extensively expanded referencing engages readers with the latest research and industrial developments in the field, and increased coverage of essential background science makes this a valuable self-contained text. A comprehensive set of homework questions, with model answers available online, explains how calculations associated with the properties of composite materials should be tackled, and educational software accompanying the book is available at doitpoms.ac.uk. An invaluable text for final-year undergraduates in materials science and engineering, and graduate students and researchers in academia and industry.