Researchers have demonstrated a new metal matrix composite
that is so light that it can float on water. A boat made of such lightweight
composites will not sink despite damage to its structure. The new material also
promises to improve automotive fuel economy because it combines light weight
with heat resistance.
Although syntactic foams have been around for many years,
this is the first development of a lightweight metal matrix syntactic foam. It
is the work of a team of researchers from Deep Springs Technology (DST) and the
New York University Polytechnic School of Engineering.
Their magnesium alloy matrix composite is reinforced with
silicon carbide hollow particles and has a density of only 0.92 grams per cubic
centimeter compared to 1.0 g/cc of water. Not only does it have a density lower
than that of water, it is strong enough to withstand the rigorous conditions
faced in the marine environment.
Significant efforts in recent years have focused
on developing lightweight polymer matrix composites to replace heavier
metal-based components in automobiles and marine vessels. The technology for
the new composite is very close to maturation and could be put into prototypes
for testing within three years. Amphibious vehicles such as the Ultra
Heavy-lift Amphibious Connector (UHAC) being developed by the U.S. Marine Corps
can especially benefit from the light weight and high buoyancy offered by the
new syntactic foams, the researchers explained.website: http://www.arjonline.org/engineering/american-research-journal-of-civil-and-structural-engineering/
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