High Reinforcement Content Metal Matrix Composites for Automotive Applications

High reinforcement content aluminum metal matrix composites were produced by pressureless liquid metal infiltration into high green density preforms of SiC and Al₂O₃. Characterization of the composites was performed, providing physical and mechanical properties. The composites were shown to provide significant weight savings over ferrous materials, while possessing the requisite properties for stiffness critical (e.g., brake calipers), fatigue critical (e.g., connecting rods), and wear critical (e.g., brake caliper pistons) applications. In addition, the damping behavior of the materials was studied. The results suggest that high reinforcement content metal composites possess the ability to absorb energy and reduce noise, thus providing utility in components that require noise reduction (e.g., brake pad backing plates).