Practicalization of cast metal matrix composites (MMCCs)

This article is an overview which briefly defines the main research points which have been considered towards the industrialization of cast metal matrix composites 'MMCCs'. Major issues in liquid processing are defined. This includes the identification of the major phases and the selection criteria and requirements for MMCCs, namely material design requirements, compatibility requirements, processing requirements and cost requirements. Also post-processing such as heat treatment, forming and machining, which can be operated on the MMCCs, are discussed. The modifications which can lead to commercial foundry technologies are also considered. Such modifications include those concerning melt preparation, holding and handling, degassing, gating system, molding techniques, and equipment modification and foundry layout. The efforts made by the international associations, for the standardization of MMCCs are overviewed. Finally, examples are given for the available practical MMCCs, either in the form of raw composite ingots or shape casting, and are evaluated. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.