Researchers have developed the lightest weight metal matrix foam–light enough to float on water in a beaker in the NYU laboratory of Dr. Nikhil Gupta.
Researchers have demonstrated a new metal matrix composite that is so light that it can float on water. A boat made of such lightweight composites will not sink despite damage to its structure. The new material also promises to improve automotive fuel economy because it combines light weight with heat resistance.
Although syntactic foams have been around for many years, this is the first development of a lightweight metal matrix syntactic foam. It is the work of a team of researchers from Deep Springs Technology (DST) and the New York University Polytechnic School of Engineering.
Their magnesium alloy matrix composite is reinforced with silicon carbide hollow particles and has a density of only 0.92 grams per cubic centimeter compared to 1.0 g/cc of water. Not only does it have a density lower than that of water, it is strong enough to withstand the rigorous conditions faced in the marine environment.
Significant efforts in recent years have focused on developing lightweight polymer matrix composites to replace heavier metal-based components in automobiles and marine vessels. The technology for the new composite is very close to maturation and could be put into prototypes for testing within three years. Amphibious vehicles such as the Ultra Heavy-lift Amphibious Connector (UHAC) being developed by the U.S. Marine Corps can especially benefit from the light weight and high buoyancy offered by the new syntactic foams, the researchers explained.
“This new development of very light metal matrix composites can swing the pendulum back in favor of metallic materials,” forecasted Nikhil Gupta, an NYU School of Engineering professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and the study’s co-author. “The ability of metals to withstand higher temperatures can be a huge advantage for these composites in engine and exhaust components, quite apart from structural parts.”
The syntactic foam made by DST and NYU captures the lightness of foams, but adds substantial strength. The secret of this syntactic foam starts with a matrix made of a magnesium alloy, which is then turned into foam by adding strong, lightweight silicon carbide hollow spheres developed and manufactured by DST. A single sphere’s shell can withstand pressure of over 25,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) before it ruptures—one hundred times the maximum pressure in a fire hose.
Read more: A METAL COMPOSITE THAT WILL (LITERALLY) FLOAT YOUR BOAT
The Latest on: Metal matrix composite
via Google News
The Latest on: Metal matrix composite
- Molybdenum titanium carbide viable in additive manufacturingon April 6, 2021 at 5:02 am
To address these shortcomings, the team formed a Mo metal matrix composite by mixing molybdenum and titanium carbide powders and used an electron beam to melt the mixture, which demonstrated the ...
- Story tips: Mighty Mo material, fueling retooling, goods on the move, doubling concrete and moreon April 5, 2021 at 7:38 am
To address these shortcomings, the team formed a Mo metal matrix composite by mixing molybdenum and titanium carbide powders and used an electron beam to melt the mixture, which demonstrated the ...
- Ceramic Matrix Composites Market Size, Growth Analysis Report, Forecast to 2026 Trends Market Researchon April 4, 2021 at 6:45 am
However, high cost of ceramic matrix composite as compared to other metal alloys is expected to hamper the growth of the global ceramic matrix composites market. Conversely, incorporation of low coat ...
- Use of iron mine tailing as fillers to polyethyleneon March 29, 2021 at 2:22 am
The iron mine tailings accumulation in dams is an environmental and economic problem. The composite based on high-density polyethylene/iron mine tailing production for the application of wood plastic ...
- You're Dead: 5 Most Powerful Tanks of All-Timeon March 28, 2021 at 5:49 am
Here's What You Need to Remember: Challenger 2 is considered one of the best-protected tanks in the world, equipped with second-generation Chobham Armor, a composite matrix of ceramic and metal ...
- Fibre-based composites from the integration of metal–organic frameworks and polymerson March 24, 2021 at 5:55 am
Composites made from metal–organic frameworks and polymer fibres are gaining popularity in many applications because of their tailorable morphologies and properties. This Review summarizes various ...
- Metal Matrix Composite Market Size to Register 6.1% CAGR During 2020-2027on March 19, 2021 at 12:54 pm
Mar 19, 2021 (Market Insight Reports) -- Selbyville, Delaware, Market Study Report LLC: The Report 2020-2027 Global Metal Matrix Composite Market Report explores the essential factors of the Metal ...
- Metal & Ceramic Matrix Composites Beat the Heaton March 18, 2021 at 5:01 pm
Metal matrix composites and ceramic matrix composites play an ongoing role in aerospace and defense, such as military vehicle armor, spacecraft and space vehicles. Other sectors and products ...
- Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) Market 2021 is estimated to clock a modest CAGR of 3.5% during the forecast period 2021-2026 With Top Countries Dataon March 15, 2021 at 8:41 pm
"Global Metal Matrix Composites (MMC) Market size is projected to reach USD 565.2 million by 2026, from USD 460.9 million in 2020, at a CAGR of 3.5% During 2020-2026. " Global ' Metal Matrix ...
via Bing News