Carlos
11-04-2000, 12:00 AM
Definitions:
"Metal Matrix Composite (MMC): a composite material in which one constituent is a metal or alloy forming at least one percolating network. The other constituent is embedded in this metal matrix and usually serves as reinforcement."
"Metal matrix: the percolating metal or alloy forming the constituent of a MMC in which the other constituents are embedded."
An Intro:
http://www.bebop.com/mmc.htm
Metal Matrix Composites unlike plastic, phenolic, and epoxy based laminates, use a metal base that is reinforced with continous woven fibers (CFRM), short filaments (SFRM), or particles (PRM) of carbon, glass, or other metals. For instance imagine a laminate of continuously woven carbon fibre cloth in an aluminum matrix, or the same instead in a magnesium matrix. The idea is that you get the advantages of the rigidity of the the ceramic fibers, as well as that of the light ductile metals used as a base (al, mg, or ti). Fiber content seems to vary from 25% up to 60%.
I am no engineer, but in the case of CFRM (Continuous Fiber MMC), the reinforced Al-based MMC seems to be twice as strong as pure Al.
"DRA [disconinuously reinforced aluminum] materials have the potential for redefining the limits of aluminum materials because of their unique combinations of properties---the stiffness of titanium, better wear resistance than steel, and tailorable coefficient of thermal expansion, all while maintaining the light weight characteristics of aluminum. These properties, combined with continued development of low-cost processing methods, offer the potential for significantly expanded use." http://www.almmc.com/
My thoughts:
Like the CPM steels, its primary disadvantage seems to be the difficulty in machining it. Otherwise, it seems like the ultimate stuff for handle scales, backspacers, and perhaps even lock mechanisms. For the truly radical, one could even try making knife blades of the stuff.
MMC handles won't be any lighter than the metal matrix they are based on, so the crown of lightness remains with G10 and carbon fiber. But an aluminum-based MMC might make the ultimate meeting of light weight, strength, and toughness for using knives.
What do ya'll think?
"Metal Matrix Composite (MMC): a composite material in which one constituent is a metal or alloy forming at least one percolating network. The other constituent is embedded in this metal matrix and usually serves as reinforcement."
"Metal matrix: the percolating metal or alloy forming the constituent of a MMC in which the other constituents are embedded."
An Intro:
http://www.bebop.com/mmc.htm
Metal Matrix Composites unlike plastic, phenolic, and epoxy based laminates, use a metal base that is reinforced with continous woven fibers (CFRM), short filaments (SFRM), or particles (PRM) of carbon, glass, or other metals. For instance imagine a laminate of continuously woven carbon fibre cloth in an aluminum matrix, or the same instead in a magnesium matrix. The idea is that you get the advantages of the rigidity of the the ceramic fibers, as well as that of the light ductile metals used as a base (al, mg, or ti). Fiber content seems to vary from 25% up to 60%.
I am no engineer, but in the case of CFRM (Continuous Fiber MMC), the reinforced Al-based MMC seems to be twice as strong as pure Al.
"DRA [disconinuously reinforced aluminum] materials have the potential for redefining the limits of aluminum materials because of their unique combinations of properties---the stiffness of titanium, better wear resistance than steel, and tailorable coefficient of thermal expansion, all while maintaining the light weight characteristics of aluminum. These properties, combined with continued development of low-cost processing methods, offer the potential for significantly expanded use." http://www.almmc.com/
My thoughts:
Like the CPM steels, its primary disadvantage seems to be the difficulty in machining it. Otherwise, it seems like the ultimate stuff for handle scales, backspacers, and perhaps even lock mechanisms. For the truly radical, one could even try making knife blades of the stuff.
MMC handles won't be any lighter than the metal matrix they are based on, so the crown of lightness remains with G10 and carbon fiber. But an aluminum-based MMC might make the ultimate meeting of light weight, strength, and toughness for using knives.
What do ya'll think?