Solidification Processing of Metal Matrix Composites

Book excerpt: "Solidification Processing of Metal Matrix Composites" (MMCs) focuses primarily on microcomposites but also covers macrocomposites, nanocomposites and foams. There are four main areas detailed: fundamentals of solidification synthesis, which examines issues related to stir mixing, pressure infiltration, transfer of particles or fibers through gas-liquid and liquid-solid interfaces, and particle/fiber interactions with fluids; processing and microstructures, which focuses on microstructure formation during solidification of MMC under different conditions, such as nucleation, growth, heat transfer, microsegregation, macrosegregation and interactions between solidifying interfaces, particles and fibers; and, properties of solidification processing, covering the relationship between the microstructures and properties. Comparisons are made between properties of solidification processed composites and monolithic and composites made by solid and vapor phase processes. It also details the application of solidification processed MMCs, revealing current and future applications especially in automotive, aerospace, railroad, thermal management, electromechanical machinery and recreational equipment sectors.