Metal Matrix Composites and Aluminium Matrix Composites Applications

The potential for Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) in general, and Aluminium Matrix Composites (AMCs) in particular, is enormous, and in certain technology areas their use is already established where conventional unreinforced materials have reached their limits. Automotive engineering is currently a major user, particularly in hot reciprocating applications such as pistons for both diesel and petrol engines where hot strength and resistance to thermal fatigue are markedly improved by using AMCs. Other engine applications are anticipated, owing to the intense pressures upon the motor industry for better fuel economy, lower exhaust emissions and improved engine performance. These pressures are expected to intensify further as legislative, environmental and consumer demands increase.

Following successful demonstration and qualification programmes, AMCs are now being used in the aerospace industry, which represents a major breakthrough in the growing acceptance of these composite materials in a market with exceptionally high levels of technical requirements. AMCs are also recognised as having an important role to play in high speed machinery applications where increased operating speeds of more than 50% have been achieved. Furthermore, their combination of lightness, fatigue resistance, and stiffness make them ideal for many sporting applications, such as road and mountain bicycles.

Applications in the defence sector are also varied and make use of some of the unique properties offered by AMCs. The strength of hoop-wound tubes is exciting, giving high burst and collapse strengths. Development is also expected for gun barrel overwraps, missile bodies, rocket blast pipes and submersibles. Other applications for AMCs will utilise their thermal and electrical properties, especially in dimensionally stable platforms and electronic packaging.