Which term describes a material formed by combining two or more materials to improve strength and stiffness?

• A. Ductility
• B. Hardness
• C. Composite Material
• D. Toughness

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is how combining materials to tailor properties works. A composite material is made by sticking together two or more different materials so the resulting product is stronger and stiffer than its parts. The reinforcing phase (like fibers) provides high strength and stiffness, while the surrounding matrix holds everything together and transfers loads. This combination lets engineers design materials that are lightweight yet strong, with stiffness that suits the application. For example, glass fibers in a polymer resin (fibreglass) are much stiffer and stronger than the resin alone. Other terms describe different properties—ductility is about how much you can deform a material before it breaks, hardness is resistance to indentation, and toughness is how much energy a material can absorb before fracturing. The description that fits “a material formed by combining two or more materials to improve strength and stiffness” is composite material.