Continuous fibre reinforced metal matrix composites are candidates for
several aeronautical and space applications. This paper surveys and o
utlines the main materials and manufacturing routes developed currentl
y for their production. Some mechanical properties are also described.
The recent availability of high performance fibres has provoked a ren
ewal in activity related to the study and development of long fibre re
inforced metal matrix composites. These composites exhibit much improv
ed properties, in terms of specific strengths and stiffness at room an
d elevated temperatures, compared to unreinforced structural materials
. This article attempts a review concerning SiC-reinforced titanium, c
arbon- and alumina-reinforced aluminium and magnesium matrix composite
s. For SiC-fibre reinforced titanium composites, the fabrication proce
sses have been thoroughly investigated, a bulky database on mechanical
properties is available and industrial applications are under way, su
ch as reinforcement of compressor disks in aeronautical turbine engine
s. However, for applications at higher temperatures, other matrix allo
ys must be envisaged, such as intermetallics materials and several pro
blems, such as the interphase optimisation, are still to be addressed.
In the case of aluminium or magnesium matrix composites, reinforced w
ith carbon or alumina fibres, the infiltration process under moderate
pressure (10-20 MPa) has proven to be the most viable for fabricating
components having complex geometries. Recent works on the adaptation o
f the process and on the selection of the constituents (fibres, alloy
with appropriate heat treatment, fibre coating if necessary) have demo
nstrated the potentialities of these materials. For example, unidirect
ional carbon reinforced aluminium composites displaying tensile streng
ths over 1800 MPa have been produced. The low transverse strength of t
hese material can be alleviated by the use of multidirectional reinfor
cements. Accompanying studies are now required to understand and model
the properties of these composites, in particular their mechanical be
haviour and corrosion resistance.