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Metal Matrix Composites

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) have higher strength and modulus but lower toughness than unreinforced metals. They also have lower coefficients of thermal expansion and better wear resistance at elevated temperatures. Common applications include structures in spacecraft like the Space Shuttle and fittings. MMCs are processed through solid-state methods like diffusion bonding or liquid-state methods like casting, infiltration, and deposition. The interface between the matrix and reinforcement can form interdiffusion layers that degrade mechanical properties. MMCs demonstrate improved stiffness, strength, and creep and fatigue resistance compared to metals, but the reinforcement-matrix interface affects these properties. Commercial MMCs include superconductors and aluminum reinforced with silicon carbide particles.

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Belinda Kely Chavez Cruz
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233 views29 pages

Metal Matrix Composites

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) have higher strength and modulus but lower toughness than unreinforced metals. They also have lower coefficients of thermal expansion and better wear resistance at elevated temperatures. Common applications include structures in spacecraft like the Space Shuttle and fittings. MMCs are processed through solid-state methods like diffusion bonding or liquid-state methods like casting, infiltration, and deposition. The interface between the matrix and reinforcement can form interdiffusion layers that degrade mechanical properties. MMCs demonstrate improved stiffness, strength, and creep and fatigue resistance compared to metals, but the reinforcement-matrix interface affects these properties. Commercial MMCs include superconductors and aluminum reinforced with silicon carbide particles.

Uploaded by

Belinda Kely Chavez Cruz
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Metal Matrix Composites

(MMC)
Purpose of using MMCs
• higher specific modulus and strength
• better properties at elevated temperature
• lower CTE
• better wear resistance

Disadvantages of using MMCs:


• less toughness
• more expensive
Applications of MMCs

Mid-fuselage structure of Space


Shuttle Orbiter showing boron-
aluminum tubes. (Photo courtesy of
U.S. Air Force/NASA).

Cast SiCp/Al attachment


fittings: (a-top) multi-inlet
fitting for a truss node
MMC processing
• solid-state processing: suitable for composite
with large surface area of high energy solid-
gas interface, e.g. matrix in particle or fail form.
– diffusion bonding:
using foil matrix Fig 3.1
e.g. Ti, Ni, Cu, Al reinforced with boron
– power metallurgy:
using particle materials, suitable for particle or whisker
reinforced composites, Vf < 25%
– co-extrusion, drawing
limited to ductile reinforcement and matrix
Diffusion bonding
• liquid-state processing
– Casting
Difficulties:  wetting
 chemical reaction
 non-uniform mixing (due to density difference)
,  can be improved by
• using precoating on reinforcements, e.g. pyrolitic graphite
coating
• modifying the melt, e.g. add Li in Al melt
– compo casting, rheocasting:
– infiltration on perform:
– squeeze casting: Fig 3.2
Squeeze Casting
Liquid Melt Infiltration on Preform
• Deposition processing
– spray co-deposition, Fig 3.4
– chemical and physical vapour deposition
(e.g. tungsten)
– electroplating (e.g. nickel)
– sputtering and plasma spraying
Spray Co-deposition
• In-situ processing
Unidirectional laminar or rod-like eutectic alloys, Fig
3.5 (in-situ composites)
Interface reactions
Interdiffusion between matrix and reinforcement:
x  Dd t

Where x = extent of interdiffusion


Dd = diffusion coefficient

Interdiffusion  interfacial layer (Fig 3.6)


 mechanical properties are degraded (Fig 3.7)
Effect of Interfacial layer
Mechanical properties of MMCs
 lower CTE than metals (Fig 3.8)
 lower coefficient of thermal and electrical conductivity (Table 3.2)
 higher thermal deformation resistance
thermal conductivi ty

thermal expansion coefficien t
 improvement in stiffness (Fig 3.9, Fig 3.10)
 strength and ductility
Reinforcement-matrix interface:
Strong  high strength
Extensive interaction  low strength,
low fatigue resistance Fig 3.12～Fig 3.17
 creep (Fig 3.18, Fig 3.19)
 fatigue (Table 3.4, Fig 3.20)
Thermal Expansions of MMCs
Thermal Conductivity of MMCs
Young’s Modulus of MMCs
Strength of MMCs
Temperature Effect on MMCs
Creep Curves of MMCs
Fatigue of MMCs
Commercial MMCs
• Multi-filamentary superconductor
• Aluminum reinforced with silicon carbide
particles
Tuning of CTE
Ageing Hardening of MMCs
Improvement in Creep Resistance

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