Elaboration of aluminum-matrix composite materials reinforced with inorganic fibers

This article is a literature survey concerning the different methods presently known for producing fiber-reinforced aluminum-matrix composites. The elaboration problems are discussed in terms of wettability between aluminum or aluminum alloys and inorganic fibers. The fibers involved are continuous monofilaments about 100 μm diameter such as boron or silicon carbide fibers, and tows of 500–6000 endless thinner filaments 5–15 μm as graphite fibers, alumina fibers and Nicalon silicon carbide fibers. The typical mechanical properties (strength, modulus, fatigue) attained with these reinforcing fibers are also reported.