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Metallic-Based Composite Materials
Metallic-based composite materials are materials that are made from two or more metals, usually blended or blended together to achieve desired physical, chemical, or electrical properties. Metallurgical composite materials may also be referred to as intermetallic compounds, which are man-made chemical compounds composed of metals in fixed stoichiometric ratios. Metallurgical composite materials are normally fabricated by powder metallurgy, which involves blending of powders of different metals, pressing them into a green body, and sintering the body.
Metallic-based composites are widely used in the aerospace and automotive industries due to their superior mechanical properties, including superior strength and stiffness, fatigue resistance, and good compression strength. The ability of metallic-based composites to withstand different types of external forces as well as their ability to maintain a high strength-to-weight ratio is one of the main reasons why they are so attractive to engineers and designers.
An important factor to consider when selecting a metallic-based composite material is its density. The density of different types of metal-based composites is determined by the type of alloy and the ratio of metal to metal in the mixture. Lighter weight alloys generally have higher densities and are more suitable for applications that require a higher strength-to-weight ratio. For instance, if an aerospace application requires a higher strength-to-weight ratio, an aluminum-steel alloy would be preferred to one that contains steel and titanium.
Metallic-based composites are also available in several different shapes and sizes. Many of these materials come as powders, pellets, bars, and plated sheets or rods. Metallic-based composite materials are available in either monolithic or laminated forms. The latter is generally preferred for its superior resistance to corrosion and wear. Metals that are brittle and difficult to machine, such as titanium and beryllium, are often laminated together to form stronger and more wear-resistant components.
In addition to the mechanical properties of metallic-based composites, they also possess excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, which makes them ideal for applications such as electrical connectors, heat exchangers, and other electronic device components. Moreover, these materials are relatively easy to process, making them popular for production processes that need speed and efficiency.
Many applications have been developed for metallic-based composites, including valves, structural supports, valves for turbochargers, turbines and compressors, fans, actuators, and transmission components, hydraulic cylinders, pump housings, and a variety of specialized parts for the military and medical fields. Metallic-based composite materials are also used in automotive and aircraft components, such as tanks, frames, pistons, landing gear components, brakes, and engine accessories, as well as in sports equipment, lab instruments, and consumer products.
Overall, metallic-based composite materials are ideal for a variety of applications due to their excellent mechanical properties and ability to be formed and machined relatively easily. Furthermore, these materials are also resistant to corrosion and wear, which makes them extremely durable and reliable. Therefore, they are an important component in modern designs that require lightweight and yet strong parts.