Powder metal matrix composites: selection and processing

There has been growing interest in the last decade in the development of metal matrix composites (MMCs) for the aerospace industry because of their attractive physical and mechanical properties and enhanced elevated temperature capabilities. However, some of the fabrication techniques (e.g. using powder metallurgy) for this new class of MMCs are hampered by (i) the poor distribution of the reinforcements, and (ii) the limited room temperature ductility of the composites and hence formability. This presentation reports work done to address the above two problems by (i) an analysis based on size difference of matrix and reinforcement particles, taking into account the processing parameters, and (ii) introducing a innovative way of extruding brittle composites to increase its formability.