Solidification, structures, and properties of cast metal-ceramic particle composites

Abstract

Solidification synthesis of cast metal-ceramic particle composite materials by dispersing hard or soft ceramic particles (including microballoons) and short fibres in molten alloys before solidification is described. Microstructures synthesized using a variety of casting techniques such as gravity or pressure die casting, centrifugal casting, and squeeze casting are discussed. Techniques to obtain a selected distribution of dispersed particles in cast alloy matrices by controlling solidification parameters and inducing melt particle wettability are reviewed. These cast metal-ceramic particle composites represent low cost, high performance, tailor made substitute materials for a variety of automotive and electromechanical applications such as pistons, cylinder liners, bearings, and current collectors, resulting in savings of material and energy.