Which composite material is made up of particles from two or more different materials?

The correct answer is particle-based composite, which consists of particles sourced from two or more distinct materials. These composites often feature a matrix that binds together different types of particles, enhancing overall performance, strength, and other desirable characteristics such as weight reduction and durability.

In forming a particle-based composite, various materials—including ceramics, metals, and polymers—can be brought together to create a material with improved properties that are tailored to specific applications. For example, the combination of different particles can yield a product that is more resistant to impact, has better thermal stability, or provides enhanced aesthetic qualities.

Fibre-reinforced composites, while strong and lightweight, specifically incorporate fibres as their reinforcing material rather than particles. Similarly, sheet-based composites utilize sheets of materials layered together, and composite laminates reference the process of bonding different materials into layered structures. These options, while still valid forms of composite materials, do not fit the specific definition of being comprised of particles from two or more different materials, which characterizes particle-based composites.