This paper reviews the research and development works conducted over the past few decades on carbon fiber reinforced metal matrix composites (CFR-MMC). The structure and composition of carbon fiber and its bonding to metal matrix have an impact on the properties of the resulting CFR-MMC remarkably. The research efforts on process optimization and utilizing of carbon fibers are discussed in this review. The effect of carbon fiber on structural, physical and mechanical properties of metal matrix composite are studied as well. This review also provide an overview of the research to date on various fabrication methods that is used for production of CFR-MMC.

Carbon fiber reinforced metal matrix composites: Fabrication processes and properties

Review of metal matrix composites with high thermal conductivity for thermal management applications

10–90 vol.% of flake graphite is combined with aluminum powders to form aluminum–graphite composites via vacuum hot pressing process. The results show that the relative density of powder composites achieves up to 99% for composites containing 10–90 vol.% graphite. With the increase of flake graphite from 10 to 90 vol.% in the composites, thermal conductivity increase from 324 to 783 W/m K; the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) in direction parallel to basal planes of graphite flakes decrease from 16.9 to −2.5 ppm/K, and the CTE perpendicular to basal plane decreases from 15.2 to 10.1 ppm/K. The parallel arrangements of graphite flakes and aluminum lead the thermal conductivity values of composites to agree well with parallel model estimations. The CTE of composites in a-axis agree with rule of mixture estimation representing proportional contribution of the two phases. Along the c-axis of graphite in composites, the CTE are consistent with Turner model estimations indicating that the graphite flake could absorb the expansion from the aluminum phase.

Thermal properties of aluminum–graphite composites by powder metallurgy

We have produced interpenetrating graphite/aluminium composites by gas pressure infiltration of aluminium alloys with varying silicon content into porous graphite preforms. Infiltration experiments at 750 °C have shown that a silicon content of up to 18 wt.% can reduce the formation of aluminium carbide but cannot completely deter it. Optical and scanning electron microscopy revealed numerous lath-like interfacial aluminium carbide crystals in the μm regime which, however, did not affect the flexural strength of our composites. Severe aluminium carbide degradation was observed within a few days on composites exposed to ambient conditions. Carbide-free composites were produced by reducing the infiltration temperature to 670 °C for the eutectic alloy.

Aluminium carbide formation in interpenetrating graphite/aluminium composites

The safe and efficient storage of hydrogen is still one of the remaining challenges towards fuel cell powered cars. Metal hydrides are a promising class of materials as they allow the storage of large amounts of hydrogen in a small volume at room temperature and low pressures. However, usually the kinetics of hydrogen release and uptake and the thermodynamic properties do not satisfy the requirements for practical applications. Therefore current research focuses on catalysis and the thermodynamic tailoring of metal hydride systems. Surprisingly, carbon materials used as additive or support are very effective to improve the hydrogen storage properties of metal hydrides allowing fast kinetics and even a change in the thermodynamic properties. Even though the underlying mechanisms are not always well understood, the beneficial effect is probably related to the peculiar structure of the carbon materials. This feature article gives an introduction to the different carbon materials, an overview of the preparation strategies to synthesize carbon/hydride nanocomposites, and highlights the beneficial effect of carbon by discussing two important hydrides: MgH2 and NaAlH4.

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The impact of carbon materials on the hydrogen storage properties of light metal hydrides

Physical properties of graphite/aluminium composites produced by gas pressure infiltration method

Mechanical and Thermophysical Properties of Graphite/Al Composites Produced by Casting Infiltration Methods

Aluminium alloys offer an excellent balance of strength, light weight, good formability and corrosion resistance, together with capability for decorative & functional surface treatments. They have become widely used for automotive and consumer electronic applications. AMAG rolling has developed advanced 5xxx-, 6xxx- and 7xxx- alloys and processes to extend use in these industries. Examples are shown and metallurgical aspects explained.

Peter Schulz

Papers

Aluminium carbide formation in interpenetrating graphite/aluminium composites

Physical properties of graphite/aluminium composites produced by gas pressure infiltration method

Mechanical and Thermophysical Properties of Graphite/Al Composites Produced by Casting Infiltration Methods

Advanced 5xxx-, 6xxx- and 7xxx- Aluminium Alloys for Applications in Automotive and Consumer Electronics

Study of the Artificial Aging Kinetics of Different AA6013‐T4 Heat Treatment Conditions