Compound
A compound might be described as a material made from two or more materials with specific ratios, bonded at a molecular or microscopic level.
More specifically a chemical compound is any substance composed of identical molecules consisting of atoms of two or more chemical elements from the periodic table. For example, water is a compound because it is made up of water molecules - made of hydrogen and oxygen atoms in the defined proportion of two hydrogens for one oxygen.
In terms of general materials compounds, to some extent (incorrectly) the term might be used interchangeably with composite, though this normally refers to different materials being combined at a macroscopic rather than molecular level. For example cement is a compound material, made from limestone and clay heated to extremely high temperatures of up to 1600°C. Cement in turn is a constituent part of concrete which might also be referred to as a compound material or more commonly a mix made up of (portland) cement, aggregate (gravel, crushed stones), sand and water. PVC polyester is a composite - consisting of a PVC substrate coated with polyester.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.