Novel Applications of Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites

Abstract

Advanced materials have offered the materials designer a wide range of options in the specification and selection of materials for various applications. Material properties are continually being improved to meet safety and operational standards in line with prevailing technological developments. Modern technological requirements, together with the consumers' demands for systems and machines that are more energy efficient, stronger, lightweight , cost-effective, etc., dictate that the search for new and advanced materials will remain a subject of interest all the time. The difficulty in designing materials for such stringent specifications cannot be overstated, owing to the conflicting nature of these specifications. Aluminium metal matrix composites (AlMMCs) are a class of materials that have proven successful in meeting most of the rigorous specifications in applications where lightweight , high stiffness and moderate strength are the requisite properties. With a variety of reinforcement materials and flexibility in their primary processing, AlMMCs offer great potential for the development of composites with the desired properties for certain applications. In this review, the development, utilisation and future potential of AlMMCs in various industrial and commercial applications is discussed, together with the existing challenges hindering their full market penetration.

Conventional and unconventional materials used in the production of brake pads – review

“…Very important issue is related with MMC production techniques: liquidmetal-mixing processes (incorporation of reinforcement particles or short fibers into a molten or semi-solid aluminum matrix through a stirring process), liquid-metalinfiltration processes (molten aluminum or its alloy is moved into a preform of the reinforcement, either as a packed bed or a rigid, free-standing structure) and solidstate processes (e.g. powder metallurgy) [87]. These are methods that require far more sophisticated equipment and deeper knowledge than those used in the production of resin-based friction materials.…”

Effect of titanium in aluminium matrix on densification and forming limit of P/M composites during upsetting process

“…Aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) reinforced with different particles such as Al 2 O 3 , TiC, TiB 2 , TiO 2 , WC, Fe 3 C, Mo 2 C, SiC, B 4 C, Gr and ZrB 2 are the attracting materials in engineering applications due to its superior features such as lightweight, better strength, better elastic modulus, good wear resistance and stiffness [1,2]. However, titanium (Ti) is an interesting material because of its high strength, high stiffness, good formability and corrosion resistance.…”

Optimization of WEDM process parameters by RSM in machining of stir cum squeeze cast A413–B4C composites

“…MMCs show the combinational benefits of both the matrix and reinforcements [1]. Among the accessible MMCs, the ideal alternative is aluminium-based MMCs on account of their intrinsic properties like lightweight, higher strength and stiffness, better thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion, poor electrical conductivity, and low wear resistance [2]. Non-oxide ceramics alike borides, nitrides, carbides and silicides are significant engineering materials in contrast with oxides offering improved refractoriness, higher strength and stiffness and enhanced thermal shock resistance at higher temperatures.…”