What is composite?

A material which is composed of two or more materials at a microscopic scale an

d have ch i ll em icall y di ti t di stinc t p hases.

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) consist of at least two chemically and physically distinct phases,
suitably distributed to give properties not obtainable with/or any one of the phases individually

• Major weight savings due to higher specific mechanical properties • Dimensional stability (compare,
for example, SiC/Al to Al) • Higher-temperature capabilities, i.e., creep resistance • Improved cyclic
fatigue characteristics

1. Particle-reinforced MMCs 2. Short fiber- or whisker-reinforced MMCs 3. Continuous fiber- or sheet-

reinforced MMCs 4. Laminated or layered MMCs

Particle- or discontinuously reinforced MMCs (one uses the term discontinuously reinforced MMCs to
indicate MMCs having reinforcements in the form of short fibers, whiskers, or particles) have assumed
special importance because of the following reasons: • Particle-reinforced composites are inexpensive
vis-a`-vis continuous fiberreinforced composites. Cost is an important and essential item for large
volume usage. • Processing by casting or powder metallurgy, followed by conventional secondary
processing by rolling, forging, and extrusion, can be used. • Higher use temperatures are possible than
with the unreinforced metal. • Enhanced modulus and strength. • Increased thermal stability. • Better
wear resistance.

Common Matrix Materials Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys Titanium Alloys

Reinforcement materials for metal matrix composites can be produced in the form of continuous fibers,
short fibers, whiskers, or particles

What is interface The interface is the area of contact between the reinforcement
and the matrix materials. In some cases, the region is a distinct

added phase.

bounding surface between the reinforcement and matrix across which there occurs a discontinuity in a
parameter such as chemical composition, elastic modulus, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and
thermodynamic properties such as chemical potential. In

Types of Bonding There are two important types of bonding at an interface in a MMC: • Mechanical
bonding ( roughness ) • Chemical bonding ( high temperatures)

Strengthening mechanisms Strengthening of metals An important property for any metal used in
aircraft structures is high strength.

The strengthening of metals is achieved by preventing the movement of dislocations under an

externally applied load. Slowing or stopping dislocation slip increases the strength properties

Different ways to hinder dislocation motion / Strengthening mechanisms:

in single-phase materials - Grain size reduction - Solid solution strengthening - Strain hardening in multi-
phase materials - Precipitation strengthening - Dispersion strengthening - Fiber strengthening -
Martensite strengthening

Thermoplastics have low melting points and low tensile strength.

Thermosetting plastics have high melting points and tensile strength.

Some examples of thermoplastics are listed below.

Polystyrene, Teflon, Acrylic, Nylon

Examples of thermosetting polymers include:

Vulcanized rubber, Bakelite, Polyurethane, Epoxy resin, Vinyl ester resin

Alloys:

Titanium alloys have less densty than titanium

Titanium alloys are used in jet engine (turbine and compressor blades), fuselage parts, etc. It is,
however, an expensive material

Titanium has two polymorphs: alpha (α) titanium has an HCP structure and is stable below 885 C and
beta (β) titanium which has a BCC structure and is stable above 885 C.

Most other alloying elements (Fe, Mn, Cr, Mo, V, No, Ta) l

Magnesium and its alloys form another group of light metals. Magnesium is one of the lightest metals,
its density being 1.74 g/cm3 . Magnesium alloys, especially castings, are used in automotive and aircraft
gearbox housings, chain saw housing, laptop casings, electronic equipment, etc. Magnesium has a
hexagonal close packed structure, which gives it limited ability to deform plastically by slip at room
temperature.

Not used in aircrafts because of low corossion resistance

The strength properties of magnesium are improved by a large number of different alloying elements,
and the main ones are aluminium and zinc.

all the aluminium used in aircraft structures is in the form of wrought heat-treatable alloys. The strength
properties of wrought alloys can be improved by plastic forming (e.g. extrusion, drawing, rolling) and
heat treatment

Hardening of alumnium Solution treatment involves heating the aluminium to dissolve casting
precipitates and disperse the alloying elements through the aluminium matrix

Reinforcement material was added to the matrix material to enhance the

physical properties of the final composite material.