Composite Materials Laboratory

Introduction

Composites are artificial materials with great potential. The choice of composite properties have been extended by dispersing several kinds of reinforcements together. Even if the combination of materials are the same, the properties of composites can be changed greatly by selecting desired sizes and shapes of reinforcements. The possible design of composites ranges from microscopic to macroscopic structures, and from the structure materials to functional materials including smart materials. The composite science is one of the most promising research fields.

The Composite Materials Laboratory has been tackling the processing of both light metal matrix and ceramic matrix composites. As for light metal matrix composites, the Laboratory focuses on the near-net shape production and forming of these composites; for example, pressure infiltration process by squeeze casting, powder metallurgical processes, the development of composites exhibiting high strain rate superplasticity by applying large deformation, application technology of high strain rate superplasticity. A new process for ceramic matrix composites was also developed by infiltrating liquid precursor into 3D-fiber preforms, followed by pulse CVI process. Furthermore, the ultra-high pressure sintering method, by which sinters with designated microstructure can be produced, was developed by applying coating technology with binder materials to diamond or cBN powders.

Fiber reinforced ceramic

The Laboratory lays emphasis on the processing and the development of new important composites for industrial application.

1. Microstructure controlling of composite materials.
2. Recycling of composites.

Staff

Recent research activities

1. Microstructure controlling of composite materials.

2. Recycling of composites.

Separation technology by controlling the interfacial energy between reinforcements and matrix.

Appearance of a droplet of matrix aluminum pushed out from an aluminum/10vol% alumina short fiber cpmposite.