Metal Matrix Composites.

Abstract

Materials scientists express their interest in metal-matrix composites (MMC) in order to reach a higher level of properties which could open new horizons of applications substituting conventional materials. Next to carbon the boron fibre became available at first and was usedas a reinforcement of structural parts in the US Space Shuttle. During the last 10 years silicon carbide and alumina fibres drew attentionand became more attractive from the technical and economic point of view. Today we are at the edge of high volume applications in connection with light metals like aluminium as matrix. Industry changed the direction of development to discontinuous reinforcements like particles, short fibres and whiskers. Although the strength of MMC using such reinforcements is inferiour to those with continuous fibres, they have the advantage of being cheaper, mechanical working is possible and the properties are more isotropic.