The polymer-matrix composites are important for lightweight structures, such as aircraft, automobiles, rotating machinery, sporting goods and wheel chairs. The cement-matrix composites are important for the civil infrastructure. Continuous fibers are more effective than short fibers as a reinforcement, but short fibers are less expensive and can be incorporated in a concrete mix. Low cost is needed for a practical concrete. Structural electronics refer to electronics made from structural materials.
Heat dissipation is a critical problem in conventional electronics.
Conventional electronic materials such as semiconductors are relatively expensive, particularly when vacuum processing, single crystals and high purity are required. A structural material must have good mechanical properties, but a semiconductor tends to have poor mechanical properties. The use of a structural material for electronics results in electronics that are mechanically rugged. The electronic functions include electrical circuit elements, strain and damage sensors, thermistor and thermoelectric device.