Aluminium-SiC MMC

Aluminium-SiC metal-matrix composites disperse silicon-carbide particles or fibres in an aluminium matrix to raise stiffness, wear resistance and elevated-temperature strength above unreinforced aluminium. They are a metal, not a polymer CFRP and not a carbon-ceramic brake disc. Automotive interest is concentrated on brake discs and drums for weight saving versus iron, and on pistons and select powertrain parts that see high thermal and wear loads. NVH and thermal conductivity differ from grey iron, so caliper, pad and cooling design must be developed as a system. Machining is abrasive on tooling; near-net casting or forging plus specialised finishing is the usual route. Recycling streams must keep SiC-bearing scrap separate from conventional aluminium.