B. L. Gordon, Touchstone Research Laboratory, Triadelphia, WV

Summary:

MetPreg™ is a technology in which fiber reinforced metals are produced using all the traditional composite processing techniques such as pultrusion, filament winding, tape placement, hot pressing, and vacuum bagging. This work is significant for applications where the high specific properties and temperature capability of metal matrix composites provide benefits over conventional monolithic metals and organic composites. This technology has advanced significantly in the areas of filament winding and tape production. For example, the MMC filament winding process is now capable of winding hoop and helical plies on 9-inch long by 7-inch diameter mandrels. Testing of these cylinders in tension, torsion, and hydrostatic burst conditions will help characterize the material properties after filament winding. The MetPreg tape manufacturing process has been extended from the alumina fiber in a pure aluminum matrix material system into other materials combinations. Prepreg tape made from high-strength aluminum alloy matrices shows great promise for applications demanding high compression strength. Tape has also been manufactured with continuous carbon fibers in a magnesium matrix, which could be used as a replacement for beryllium alloys. MMC tape can be used for improving strength and stiffness of monolithic metal structures by bonding onto the surface or casting into the bulk of the structure. This work is significant to applications where the light weight and high specific properties of metal matrix composites provide benefits, such as ordnance and aerospace applications. The true benefit is the ability to manufacture metal matrix composite components using cost-effective processing methods. This paper describes Touchstone’s current efforts to advance this unique technology.