Lecturers:
Prof. Maurizio Vedani, Politecnico di Milano.
Prof. Franco Bonollo, Università degli Studi di Padova, sede di Vicenza.

Course summary
The course gives an introduction to Metal Matrix Composites, in order to understand their peculiarities and potential for engineering applications. After the review of preliminary definitions, the main manufacturing processes are described, as well as the mechanical behaviour of these family of materials. Attention is then devoted to the “secondary” processes (casting, forging, extrusion, welding) suitable for MMCs and finally some significant applications are overviewed.

1. Introduction and definitions: The concept of matrix and reinforcement; main kinds of matrices and reinforcements; long fibers, short fibers, particles
2. Production of MMCs (1): Classification of MMCs production routes; processes in solid state (diffusion bonding, powder metallurgy)
3. Production of MMCs (2): Processes in liquid state (compocasting, infiltration: spontaneous, in vacuum, under pressure, squeeze, reactive)
4. Review of MMCs mechanical properties (1): Mechanical behaviour of MMCs at room temperature (tensile, fatigue)
5. Review of MMCs mechanical properties (2): Mechanical behaviour of MMCs at high temperature (tensile, fatigue, creep); hot working of MMCs
6. Extrusion and Welding of MMCs: Main features of the extrusion and welding processes of MMCs, with respect to specific matrix-reinforcement systems
7. Forging and Casting of MMCs: Main features of the forging and casting processes of MMCs, with respect to specific matrixreinforcement systems
8. Applications of MMCs: Review of actual and possible industrial applications of MMCs

This course is an outcome of the European Community Lifelong Learning Programme Leonardo da Vinci project METRO - MEtallurgical TRaining On-line and it is supported by TCN Consortium for higher education

The METRO project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the Author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.