REINFORCEMENTS

Table 2.7 provides the list of some metal matrices and associated reinforcing materials. The
reinforcements can be in the form of either particulates, or short fibres or continuous fibres.
Cermets constitute an important group of metal matrix composites in which ceramic grains of
sizes greater than 1 nm are dispersed in the refractory metal matrix. A typical example is the
titanium carbide cermet which comprises of 70% TiC particles and 30% nickel matrix and
exhibits high specific strength and stiffness at very high temperatures. The thermo-
mechanical properties of some common matrices are presented in Table 2.8. The aluminium
matrices include several alloys such as AA 1100, AA 2014, AA6061, AA 7075, AA5052, etc.
The composites with aluminium matrices are relatively lightweight, but their applications are
limited to the lower temperature range