Editing Metal matrix composite (section)

== Manufacturing and forming methods ==
MMC manufacturing can be broken into three types—solid, liquid, and vapor.

=== Solid state methods ===
* Powder blending and consolidation ([[powder metallurgy]]): Powdered metal and discontinuous reinforcement are mixed and then bonded through a process of compaction, degassing, and thermo-mechanical treatment (possibly via [[hot isostatic pressing]] (HIP) or [[extrusion]])
* Foil diffusion bonding: Layers of metal foil are sandwiched with long fibers, and then pressed through to form a matrix

=== Liquid state methods ===
* Electroplating and electroforming: A solution containing metal ions loaded with reinforcing particles is co-deposited forming a composite material
* [[Stir casting]]: Discontinuous reinforcement is stirred into molten metal, which is allowed to solidify
* Pressure infiltration: Molten metal is infiltrated into the reinforcement through use a kind of pressure such as gas pressure
* [[Squeeze casting]]: Molten metal is injected into a form with fibers pre-placed inside it
* Spray deposition: Molten metal is sprayed onto a continuous fiber substrate
* Reactive processing: A [[chemical reaction]] occurs, with one of the reactants forming the matrix and the other the reinforcement

=== Semi-solid state methods ===
* Semi-solid powder processing: Powder mixture is heated up to semi-solid state and pressure is applied to form the composites.<ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Wu | first1 = Yufeng | last2 = Gap | last3 = Kim | first3 = Yong | year = 2011 | title = Carbon nanotube reinforced aluminum composite fabricated by semi-solid powder processing | journal = Journal of Materials Processing Technology | volume = 211 | issue = 8| pages = 1341–1347 | doi=10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2011.03.007}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Wu | first1 = Yufeng | last2 = Yong Kim | first2 = Gap | display-authors = etal   | year = 2010 | title = Fabrication of Al6061 composite with high SiC particle loading by semi-solid powder processing | journal = Acta Materialia | volume = 58 | issue = 13| pages = 4398–4405 | doi=10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2011.03.007}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Wu | first1 = Yufeng | last2 = Yong Kim | first2 = Gap | display-authors = etal   | year = 2015 | title = Compaction behavior of Al6061 and SiC binary powder mixture in the mushy state | journal = Journal of Materials Processing Technology | volume = 216 | pages = 484–491 | doi=10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2014.10.003}}</ref>

=== Vapor deposition ===
* [[Physical vapor deposition]]: The fiber is passed through a thick cloud of vaporized metal, coating it.

=== In-situ fabrication technique ===
* Controlled unidirectional solidification of a [[Eutectic system|eutectic]] alloy can result in a two-phase microstructure with one of the phases, present in lamellar or fiber form, distributed in the matrix.<ref>[http://www.ipm.virginia.edu/research/PVD/AppDriven/CFRMMC/cfrmmc.htm University of Virginia's Directed Vapor Deposition (DVD) technology]</ref>