Metal Matrix Composites

• They have metal matrix

• Materials are aluminum, magnesium and titanium
• Typical fibers include carbon and silicon carbide

Advantages:
Advantages over monolithic metals (steel or aluminum)
• That by adding fibers stiffness and strength increases
• Coefficient of thermal expansion, thermal electrical conductivity
reduced
Advantages over PMC
• These include higher elastic properties, higher service temperature,
insensitive to moisture
• Higher electric and thermal conductivity

Drawbacks:
• Higher processing temperature and higher density 1
 Metal Matrix Composites (Contd)

Applications:
• Space shuttle uses boron/aluminum
• Military – precision components of missile guidance systems
demand dimensional stability, silicon carbide/aluminum
composite satisfy this requirement
• Applications in automobile engines because of its lighter weight
and high strength

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Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC)
• Consists of ceramic matrix such as alumina calcium alumino
silicate
• Reinforced fibers such as carbon and silicon carbide

Advantages:
• High strength, hardness, high service temperature limits up to
1500o C, whereas for polymers it is 400o C and for metals it is
1000o C
• Finds application where the temperature is extreme

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Carbon-Carbon Composites
• Use carbon fibers in carbon matrix
• Used in very high temperature applications
• Are required up to 3300o C
• Low density, good tensile and compressive strength, high fatigue
strength, ability to withstand high temperature

Drawback:
• High cost

Application:
• Space shuttle, noise cones, aircraft brakes

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Thank You!