Synthetic Multi-Functional Materials by Design Using Metallic-Intermetallic Laminate (MIL) Composites

Abstract

This chapter describes a new class of structural materials called Metallic-Intermetallic Laminate (MIL) composites, which can have their micro, meso- and macro-structure designed to achieve a wide array of material properties, and tailored to achieve specific functionalities. The superior specific properties of this class of composites makes them extremely attractive for high performance aerospace applications, and the fabrication method for creating these MIL composites allows new embedded technologies to be incorporated into the materials further enhancing their functionality and utility. The field of material microstructure design targeted for a specific set of structural + functional properties is now a recognized field of focus in materials science and engineering. Building on the field of micro- and meso-structural design to achieve a set of targeted mechanical + functional properties that was originally pioneered, a new class of structural materials has been developed to embody and exploit this concept, MIL composites.