An Overview of Metal Matrix Composites, MMCs, and Future Perspectives

In this article, an overview of the current state of metal matrix composites, MMCs, is made. The combination of the good mechanical properties of metals, such as their high toughness and ability to deform plastically, with the high strength and stiffness of ceramics, makes them good substitutes for metals and other materials currently in use, particularly in the transportation sector. It is also outlined that, despite their good properties and their clear advantages over the commercial unreinforced alloys on which they are based, their industrial implantation in common uses is still way off. The expectations that were envisioned more than 25 years ago are not being met. Only in applications with very high added value, e.g., in high-end vehicles, and/or specific aerospace applications, when the cost factor is not decisive, their use can be common. New manufacturing processes developed around the concept of additive manufacturing, AM, should help the development of manufacturing components made on MMCs at lower costs than current ones. According to the author׳s vision, a global legislative regulation, focused on drastically reducing the polluting effects derived from the use of current materials, could promote their use on a massive scale. This would undoubtedly help to improve the global environment.