Cast metal-matrix composites. I: Fabrication techniques

The field of reinforced metals or metal-matrix composites has seen tremendous growth in both scope and diversity over the last two decades. A wide range of traditional as well as innovative fabrication techniques has been used to combine reinforcement and metals to engineer composites for diverse applications. Among the ascendant compositing techniques of the eighties and nineties, solidification and casting techniques have gained phenomenal popularity owing to their cost effectiveness and their adaptability ro existing production methods. This review describes the basic aspects of the following four solidification and casting techniques that have been used to engineer composites: infiltration, stirring, in situ processes, and spray forming.