Book excerpt: Understand critical principles of composites, such as design of durable structures, choice of fibre, matrix, manufacturing process, and mechanics with this interdisciplinary text. The book features up-to-date coverage of hybrids of fibres and particles and explanation of failure criteria, and includes a comprehensive discussion on choice of fibres, matrices, manufacturing technology, and micromechanics for durable composite structures. It provides the structure and properties of reinforcing fibres, particulates, and matrices together with a discussion of fracture mechanics. This is an essential guide for scientists and engineers wishing to discover the benefits of composite materials for designing strong and durable structures.