New concepts for metal/ceramics composites
Especially in automotive construction, the spectrum of applications for light-metal components is growing more and more: at the same time, however, these components are having to work under ever more punishing conditions. The solution is to reinforce the lightweight components with high-performance ceramics at exactly those high-stress locations.
For composites from metal and ceramics (Metal Matrix Composites, MMC or Ceramic Matrix Composites, CMC), a metallic substrate with ceramic hardened particles is used as reinforcement. The low weight of the metal can thus be combined with the resistance of ceramics under tribological, mechanical and thermal loads.
Highly porous preforms are infiltrated by the light metal during the casting process and thus assure a seamless transition between metal and ceramic material.
Application potential
By locally reinforcing the cylinder sleeves in the
engine block of the Porsche Boxster and 911, CeramTec AG
has not only proven the proper functioning and efficiency
of MMC preforms on a series-production scale, but also
created a completely new class of composites. This taps
a range of applications hitherto inaccessible to ceramics.
New developments
MMC preforms are not available "off the shelf."
As other ceramics, Metal Matrix Composites are
custom-tailored according to individual requirements.
Each field of application calls for its own development
work and close interaction among users, designers and
ceramics experts.
Basically everything is possible. Wherever lightweight metallic components need to be reinforced or optimized, the use of metal/ceramic composites is a technically and economically attractive solution.