Composite Materials
From MeritBadgeDotOrg
| Composite Materials merit badge | ||
| ||
| Status: | Elective | |
| Created: | 2006 (premiered at 2005 National Jamboree) | |
| Discontinued: | no | |
| BSA Advancement ID: | ||
| Requirements revision: | 2006 | |
| Latest pamphlet revision: | 2006 | |
Contents |
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Merit badge requirements
- 1. Do the following:
- a. Explain the precautions that must be taken when handling, storing, and disposing of resins, reinforcements, and other materials used in composites. Include in your discussion the importance of health, safety, and environmental responsibility and awareness.
- b. Describe what a material safety data sheet (MSDS) is and tell why it is used.
- 2. Do the following:
- a. Explain what are composite materials. Include a brief history of composites and how they have developed.
- b. Compare the similarities and differences between composites and wood, aluminum, copper, and steel. Explain the physical, electrical, mechanical, corrosive, flammability, cost, and other such properties. For each of these raw materials, give one example for how it can be shaped and used for a specific application.
- 3. Describe how composite materials are made. Then do the following:
- a. Discuss three different composite reinforcement materials, their positive and negative characteristics, and their uses. Obtain the MSDS for each one and discuss the toxicity, disposal, and safe-handling sections for these materials.
- b. Discuss three different resins used in composites, their positive and negative characteristics, and their uses. Obtain the MSDS for each one and discuss the toxicity, disposal, and safe-handling sections for these materials. Include thermoset resins and thermoplastic resins in your discussion.
- c. For each of the three resins you chose for requirement 3b, think of a new application that might be worth developing.
- 4. With your parent's permission and your counselor's approval do ONE of the following:
- a. Visit a company that manufactures or repairs products made with composites. Discuss what you learn with your counselor.
- b. Find three composites-related Web sites. Share and discuss what you learn with your counselor.
- 5. Do the following:
- a. Use composite materials to complete two projects, at least one of which must come from the Composite Materials merit badge pamphlet. The second project may come from the pamphlet OR may be one you select on your own that has been approved by your counselor in advance.
- b. With your counselor's assistance, find an appropriate site where the projects can be safely completed under your counselor's supervision and/or the supervision of an adult approved by your counselor who is knowledgeable about composites.
- c. With your counselor, determine how the finished projects will be evaluated. Using those guidelines, evaluate the completed projects with your counselor.
- 6. Find out about three career opportunities in composite materials. Pick one and find out the education, training, and experience required for this profession. Discuss this with your counselor, and explain why this profession might interest you.
Source: 2007 Boy Scout Requirements (33215)
Notes
| A FREE workbook for Composite Materials is available here!  with the maps, charts, links, diagrams, and checklists you need! Or click here to print just the Composite Materials requirements. | meritbadge.org has PDF and DOC versions of Boy Scout merit badge workbooks, Webelos workbooks, Cub Scout workbooks, and Nova Award workbooks. |
Per the BSA: You should read the merit badge pamphlet on the subject. Merit badge pamplets are available at your local Scout Shop or online at ScoutStuff.org.
This merit badge was first shown at the 2005 National Jamboree.
Help with these requirements
Project Ideas
Scouting-related projects:
- Walking sticks
- Silverware
- Plates
- Pots/pans
- Troop kitchen
- Water bottle
- Cups
- Fishing rod
- Kayak
- Canoe
Other projects:
- Surfboard
- Skim board
- Snowboard
- Skateboard
- Sled
- Model airplane or boat
- Signs
- Furniture
- Storage tank
External links
- MSDS List - Contains thousands of materials safety data sheets.
- Wikipedia: Composite Materials - Category:Composite Materials; contains a multitude of useful information on composites.
- Composite Material Key Concepts - Easy reading on composite materials. Suitable for low-level reading.
- Society of Manufacturing Engineers - SME's area for composites.
- ACMA's BSA Page - The American Composites Manufacturers Association's page for the Composite Materials merit badge. Great for merit badge research as it is directed towards Scouts.
