A related preprint is loaded here. A related presentation is here. Powder Consolidation in Metal Matrix Composites Motivated by the studies of thermal expansion mismatch induced superplastic deformation discussed above, we postulated that metal matrix composites may be compacted more effectively under cyclic pressure than static pressure, and found this was indeed the case. For moderate to large volume fractions of reinforcement with different compressibility than the matrix, compaction with cyclic pressure yields significantly higher compacted density, improved uniformity of density and dramatically improved strength. Presently this is a collaboration with Prof. R. H. Wagoner in a NSF focused research group program to investigate the fundamentals and practical implications of these phenomena.
Some details are available at a developing website HERE .
While studying as an undergraduate, Michael Breslin made the surprising discovery that if dense silica is immersed in liquid aluminum at a temperature around 1100 C the stable oxide, alumina, will form in a porous morphology and aluminum will fill the pores. This reaction takes place replicating the shape of the silica precursor. Presently, the development of these and similar composites based on this flexible reaction scheme is being handled by a new venture, BFD, Inc .