FIBRE-REINFORCED METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES

摘要

A metal matrix composite comprises essentially-aligned, fine-diameter inorganic oxide fibers embedded in a metal matrix material such as a light metal, for example aluminium or magnesium or an alloy thereof. In a particular embodiment the fibers are nominally-continuous and preferably are of mean diameter below 5 microns. The composite can be made by liquid infiltration of a fiber preform comprising the fibres bound together with an inorganic or an organic binder or (in the case of short fibers) by extrusion of a mixture, for example a suspension, of the fibers and powdered metal matrix material.