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7. Outlook
Predicting the future is always a perilous business, especially when it comes to technology. However, it is clear that pMMCs have interesting properties, such as good wear resistance and low density, which make their use highly probable, at least for a number of applications. The cost price, which has fallen considerably in recent years, the possibility of shaping to final dimensions, and improvements in CMMp recycling are all promising signs.
Nevertheless, very low ductility remains the most worrying problem. Despite many efforts, low ductility seems to be inherent to this class of new materials. However, it is possible that current incorporation processes introduce sufficient oxides to affect ductility. Some improvement may be possible.
High wear resistance also has its counterpart: secondary shaping tools (extrusion, rolling, forging,...
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Outlook
Costs
Today, the cost of reinforcing particles is highly variable, with a downward trend in prices. For example, a pound (= 0.454 kg) of particles can vary from 2 to 40 Canadian dollars, depending on the nature and size of the particles, whereas a pound of processed aluminum (finished parts) used to cost only 1 to 2 dollars, depending on the alloy and, above all, the quantity. We need to keep a close eye on the price of aluminum, which...
References
Standardization
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
- Normalisation des composites à matrice métallique - ANSI H 35.5 - – 1,992
- Test method for measuring abrasion using the dry sand/rubber wheel apparatus - G 65-91 -
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
Producers
There are several producers of CMMp particle-reinforced metal matrix composites in the world . Duralcan is the most important in terms of production volume, with around 11,000 t/year, and probably also in terms of research efforts. DWA, Cospray (500 t/year), BP...
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