According to a report by Science Daily, researchers recently demonstrated a new type of metal matrix composite that is so light that it can float on water. Composites made from such lightweight materials will not sink in water, even if their structure is damaged. This new material also has the potential to improve the automotive fuel economy because it combines lightweight and heat resistance. Although syntactic foams have existed for many years, this is the first lightweight metal matrix composite foam developed.
This material can float on water
This work was conducted by a team of researchers from the Deep Spring Institute of Technology (DST) and the New York University Institute of Technology.
The addition of silicon carbide hollow particles enhances this magnesium alloy matrix composite, which has a density of only 0.92 grams per cubic centimeter, compared to a density of 1 gram per cubic centimeter of water. It not only has a lower density than water, but it is also strong enough to withstand the harsh conditions in the marine environment.
In recent years, scientists have been working hard to develop lightweight polymer-based composites that are used to replace the heavier metal-based components used in automobiles and marine vessels. The technology for the development of new composite materials is nearing maturity, or it can enter prototype testing within the next three years. The researchers explained that the lightweight and high buoyancy of this new type of syntactic foam can benefit many amphibious vehicles, such as the Ultra Heavy-lift Amphibious Connector (UHAC) developed by the United States Marine Corporation. .
“The latest developments in this lightweight metal matrix composite material may bias the material's use of the pendulum toward metal materials,†said research partner Nikhil Gupta, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at the New York University’s Institute of Technology. Road. "The ability of metals to withstand high temperatures will be a huge advantage for these compounds in engine and exhaust components."
DST and NYU developed a syntactic foam with a light foam, but at the same time have sufficient strength. The secret of this foam is to start with the base formed by the magnesium alloy first, and to form a foam by adding a solid, lightweight silicon carbide hollow sphere developed by DST. A single-ball shell can withstand 25,000 pounds per square inch of pressure before breaking, which is about 100 times the maximum pressure a fire hose can withstand. Such hollow particles can also provide impact protection for these foams because each shell acts as an energy absorber during the fracture process. By adding more or fewer shells to the metal base to meet the needs of a specific application, the composite can customize the density and other properties. This concept can also be used for other non-flammable magnesium alloys.
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