Cost – The raw materials, the manufacturing process and the tools needed to use composites can be expensive.
Brittleness – Composites can be more brittle than other materials and therefore more easily damaged.
Repairability – Repairing composites is possible, but it it may compromise structural integrity, be time-consuming and expensive, and require specialist equipment.
Recyclability – Composites are generally problematic to recycle due to their structure and how thoroughly the matrix and reinforcement are blended together.
Inspection – The strength of composite materials makes identifying any structural damage more difficult as defects and weaknesses may lie below the surface or appear the same as other areas.