Applications of High Performance P/M Aluminum in Internal Combustion Engines

Powder Metallurgy (P/M) renders the possibilities to tailor material properties using rapid solidification or mechanical alloying processes totally different to the options of ingot metallurgy (I/M). For demanding applications in internal combustion engines new materials have become more important because of environmental and/or performance reasons. Weight reductions to improve the performance or reduce the consumptions and consequently the amount of exhaust gases and increase of temperatures at different locations of an engine need better aluminum materials. P/M solutions are described from the point of view of material's processing and general properties. The potential for automotive pistons is discussed with several examples.