COMPOSITE MATERIALS LAB

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ALLOYS & MMCs

Submitted to: Engr. Hifsa Mazhar

Submitted by: Aneeqa Naeem
Registration no. 160301006
Deptt. MS&E Dated: 22-10-2018
INTRODUCTION:
Apparently, alloys and metallic matrix based composites are same as both are made up of a
mixture of two or more materials. Alloys and metal matrix composites have properties
different than the properties associated with their constituent materials.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ALLOYS AND MMCs:

By studying both categories of materials, we observe that both are different from each other
in many ways.

 An alloy is a mixture of two or more elements of which one should be a metal and
other be a non-metal.
In metal matrix composites, the matrix is of metal but other inclusions are of ceramic
or organic compound.

 Alloys are solid solution of different metallic and nonmetallic elements and elements
are soluble up to its solubility limits. While composites are the combination of two or
more dissimilar materials.

 In alloys, there is may be a reaction between the base elements and alloying elements
i.e. in steels, C reacts with Fe to form Fe3C.
In composites, there is no chemical reaction between the constituent materials.

 In alloys there are atomic-scale structural changes taking place.

In composites, there are macro scale structural changes taking place i.e. the new
phase structural elements can be seen by naked eyes.

 In MMCs, it is easy to control the distribution and density of inclusion elements in the
matrix. But in alloys it is difficult to have control on distribution of alloying elements
according to our will.

 MMCs are nearly always more expensive than the more conventional alloy materials
they are replacing. As a result, they are found where improved properties and
performance can justify the added cost.

 Alloys can be subjected to different strength improving mechanisms i.e. heat

treatment, but metal matrix composites may not be subjected to strength improving
processes.

 There is a chemical bonding between alloying elements are base element.

In metal matrix composites, there is a physical bonding between matrix and
reinforcements.
 Figure 1. Distinct microstructures of Al alloy and MMC

In MMC, the secondary phase of reinforcements can be clearly seen by naked eyes. The
reinforcements are arranged in random manner with uniform density throughout the
structure.

Figure 2. Comparision of strength of Cu alloy with its Zr-O composite

The UTS of copper alloys is less as compared to that of copper composites.

References:

https://www.eaglealloys.com/the-differences-between-alloys-and-composites/

https://www.physicsforums.com › Engineering › Materials and Chemical Engineering

https://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-alloy-and-vs-composite/