Invited Talk: Mr. Andrew J. Sherman, FASM, Powdermet Inc., presents “Matrix-engineered metal matrix composites”.

High temperature environments, including molten salt, supercritical CO2, high temperature combustion/turbine systems, high temperature processing equipment including steam, and hypersonic/high speed vehicle components require a blend of environmental resistance including corrosion, oxidation, friction and wear, as well as strength. Matrix-engineered metal matrix composites offer improved environmental and mechanical properties, including high temperature strength, wear, and corrosion resistance compared to traditional cast and wrought alloys. By combining engineered powders with rapid thermal processing, including spark plasma sintering (SPS), rapid development and scaling of engineered metal matrix composites can be accomplished by selecting appropriate matrix and reinforcement compositions/phases, designing in microstructures, building those microstructures into particle building blocks, and then consolidating those engineered particles into fully dense structures. AM can be used combined with rapid consolidation to produce net shape components cost-effectively, while retaining highly engineered microstructures. This talk will discuss the principles used to create nano/micro/meso-scaled engineered metal matrix composites with improved mechanical and environmental performance. Examples developed for high temperature molten salts, other low lubrication (low viscosity) fluid systems, sCO2, and lean-MMC engineered structures will be presented and discussed.