Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) as high performance metallic material
Programme: | TRP Workplan | Achieved TRL: | 2 |
Reference: | T724-303QT | Closure: | 2016 |
Contractor(s): | AAC (AT), Tecnalia (ES), RHP (AT), RTBV (AT), TU Wien (AT) |
Metal matrix composites (MMCs) have developed during the last decade and some of them could be used for structural applications – potentially boosting the performances by 50% or more compared with pristine metallic solutions. Developing MMCs is challenging as it requires excursions at high temperature where undesirable chemistry / stresses generation can be initiated.
Objectives
The main objective of the study was to investigate few materials showing, on paper, good performances. Mg-8%Li reinforced with carbon fibres, Ti6Al4V reinforced with TiB and Mg (AZ91) reinforced with alumina nano particles.
![Complex demonstrator Ti-5%TiC with brazed joint](/var/esa/storage/images/esa_multimedia/images/2017/02/complex_demonstrator/16797208-1-eng-GB/Complex_demonstrator_article.png)
Achievements
In Mg-Li matrix composite, Li diffuses very quickly in the carbon fibres inducing swelling and Lithium carbide formation – more work would be needed to have reinforcement compatible with Li, this later providing very interesting properties to Mg when added in large enough quantity (8%). In Mg reinforced with nanoparticles, particle distribution remains unsatisfactory, the mixing proved challenging. As back up, micro-size particles were used and processing developed. In Ti6Al4V, TiB has been swapped for TiC with lower vol%. The composites passed the SCC test opening the door to structural applications.
Benefits
The Ti64V based composite is a candidate for high performance applications. Activity conducted with unofficial sub-contractor: Slovak academy of Science which worked on Mg-Li matrix composite - allowing this institute to understand the space industry requirements.