ABSTRACT
The research and development in metal matrix composites (MMCs) has been aided by the development of reinforcement materials which provide either improved properties or reduced cost compared with previously available materials. Reinforcing materials for MMCs can be generally classified into five major groups: continuous fibers, discontinuous fibers, whiskers, particulates, and metallic fibers. With the exception of wires, reinforcement materials are generally ceramics because these ceramics of oxides, carbides, and nitrides, which have a strong interatomic bonding force, have excellent combinations of stiffness-toweight and strength-to-weight ratio at both room and elevated temperatures.
