Al MMCs Research Articles

Influence of 2D solid lubricants on mechanical and tribological behaviour of Al 7XXX series metal matrix composites: A comprehensive review

Aluminium alloys (Al 7XXX), due to their low hardness and poor friction-wear behaviour have restricted structural and tribological applications. Hence, researchers are now focusing on 2D solid lubricants as reinforcement in Al 7XXX metal matrix composites to enhance their mechanical and tribological properties. 2D solid lubricants possess better hardness, self-lubrication, low friction, high wear resistance, and higher thermal stability. This article reports the influence of 2D solid lubricants on the mechanical and tribological behaviour of Al 7XXX Series metal matrix composites fabricated by different techniques available for Al MMCs. This article also, details the causes of mechanical and tribological failures in Al 7XXX MMCs, aiding research in overcoming such issues for novel Al-reinforced 2D solid lubricant MMCs. In addition, various wear mechanisms like delamination, adhesive, and oxidative wear reported for the Al 7XXX metal matrix composites at various tribological conditions are comprehensively presented in this review article.

Synergistic effect of Al2O3-decorated reduced graphene oxide on microstructure and mechanical properties of 6061 aluminium alloy

In this study, Al6061 alloy matrix composites reinforced Al2O3-decorated reduced graphene oxide (Al2O3/RGO) with 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 weight present (wt%) were successfully fabricated using high energy ball milling and hot extrusion techniques. The microstructures of these Al2O3/RGO/Al6061 aluminum matrix composites (Al MMCs) were characterized. The results showed that Al2O3/RGO were uniformly distributed within the Al6061 matrix and tightly bonded to the matrix. Al2O3 encapsulation on RGO surface would prevent the formation of Al4C3 brittle phase in matrix, ensuring that there was no reaction between the reinforcement and the matrix Al6061. Tensile strength and Vickers hardness tests demonstrated that the mechanical properties of Al MMCs significantly increased with addition of Al2O3/RGOs. Remarkably, Al MMCs with 0.1 wt% reinforcement showed tensile yield and tensile strengths of 270 MPa and 286 MPa, respectively, which were 49% and 43% higher than those of pure Al6061 prepared using the same process. Furthermore, the 0.1 wt% Al2O3/RGO composite also showed the best plastic deformation capability in considering of the strength.

Studies of forging on the aluminium-sea sand composites

The goal of this research was to determine the impact of cold forging on the mechanical characteristics and microstructure of Al MMCs at various sea sand percentages and forging deformations. The wettability of sea sand was improved by applying an electroless coating just before the stir-casting procedure. Using the stir casting technique, a composite material of Al6061 and sea sand was fabricated at several percentages of sea sand in weight, such as 2, 4, and 6%. In addition, open-die forging in cold settings was studied to learn more about the deformation characteristics of Al6061-sea sand composite. Composites were tested for density, porosity, microstructure, macrostructure, and hardness. The behaviour of microstructures was studied with an optical microscope. Brinell hardness readings taken according to ASTM E-10 were used to characterize the composite. The stir casting method was used to investigate and analyse the samples characteristics. More sea sand particles are distributed throughout the matrix as the composite’s density decreases. Increases in porosity are associated with an increase in reinforcement percentage, as this leads to more matrix-reinforcement surface contact and hence more porosity. The hardness diminishes with an increase in the proportion of sea sand particles. The mechanical qualities of the composite were enhanced by an oxide compound found on the sea sand. Evidence suggests that forging enhances mechanical and microstructure qualities.

Determination of Saturation Conditions of the Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites Reinforced with Al2O3 Sinter.

Aluminum metal matrix composites (Al MMCs) are a class of materials characterized by being light in weight and high hardness. Due to these properties, Al MMCs have various applications in the automobile, aeronautical and marine industries. Ceramic-reinforced Al MMCs in the form of sinters are known for having excellent abrasive properties, which makes them an attractive material in certain fields of technology. The biggest problem in their production process is their low ability to infiltrate ceramics with alloys and consequently the difficulty of filling a ceramic preform. The castability of such composites has not yet been researched in detail. The aim of this study was to create aluminum metal matrix composite castings based on aluminum alloys (AlSi11) reinforced with an Al2O3 sinter preform using a Castability Trials spiral mold, and then to determine the degree of saturation with the liquid metal of the produced ceramic shaped body (Castability Trials spiral). For the selected AlSi11 alloy, the liquidus (Tl) and solidus (Ts) temperatures were determined by performing thermal-derivation analysis during cooling, which is Tl-579.3 °C and Ts-573.9 °C. The resultant pressure necessary for the infiltration process was estimated for the reinforcement capillaries with the following dimensions: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 microns. The following values were used to determine the capillary pressure (Pk): surface tension of the alloy-σ = 840 mN/m; the extreme wetting angle of the reinforcement by the metal-θ = 136°. It has been experimentally confirmed that for the vacuum saturation process, the estimated resultant pressure enables saturation of reinforcement with capillaries larger than 25 microns, provided that the alloy temperature does not drop lower than the infiltration temperature. After the experiment, the time and route of the liquid metal flow in the spiral were determined. On the basis of the obtained values, a simulation was developed and initial assumptions such as saturation time, alloy temperature, reinforcement and mold temperature were verified. The energy balance showed that the saturation limit temperature was Tk = 580.7 °C for the reinforcement temperature of 575 °C. In contrast to the above, the assumption that the temperature of the metal after equalizing the temperature of the composite components must be higher than the liquidus temperature (Tliq = 579.3 °C) for the aluminum alloy used must be fulfilled. After the experiment, the time and path of the liquid metal flow in the spiral were determined. Then, on the basis of the obtained values, a simulation was developed, and the initial assumptions (saturation time and temperature) were verified.

Experimental investigation of powder mixed electrical discharge machining of LM-25/SiC composites: A response surface methodology coupled with desirability approach

ABSTRACT In the last few years, many experiments have been done on lightweight Al and SiCp MMCs for aerospace and automotive applications. The results have been consistent in the development of structural and super alloys. Present work explores the performance characteristics of powder mix EDM by machining Al, LM-25 alloy with various weight fractions of reinforcement (0%, 5%, and 10% SiC) and variable electrode material. The impact of heat treatment on the microstructure of Al LM-25/10%SiC MMC has also been examined. Experimental investigation has been conducted to examine the machine response by adjusting the process parameters by employing the statistical design of RSM. The machining characteristics have been estimated to assess the machine response, namely metal removal rate (MRR) and tool wear rate (TWR), which are closely related to process variables, discharge current (I p), pulse on time (Ton), servo voltage (V), different tool materials, varying work materials, and differing concentrations of abrasive particles. The ANOVA results show that tool material is the most crucial parameter for MRR, accounting for 11.90% of the total, followed by other process variables, and the pulse on time for TWR, accounting for 5.94% of the total. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to examine the macrostructure of machined MMCs. A chemical microanalysis technique such as Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to determine the phase composition of the materials and material dispersion. Additionally, the desirability technique was used to identify the optimum machining conditions.

Effect of Stir Casting Process Parameters and Stirrer Blade Geometry on Mechanical Properties of Al MMCs – A Review

Effect of Stir Casting Process Parameters and Stirrer Blade Geometry on Mechanical Properties of Al MMCs – A Review

Optimization study on wear behaviour of aluminium 7075 hybrid composite containing silicon carbide and aluminium oxide using Taguchi method

Due to light weight, high strength to weight ratio, higher wear resistance aluminium and its alloy have got greater consideration as a matrix material in most of the composite applications. Al MMCs is used in preparation of pistons, cylinder barrel, break discs, gears, valves etc. Use of Al-Si alloys are increasing in areas of automobile and aerospace industries. Present study aims to investigate about wear behaviour of aluminium 7075 hybird composite with silicon carbide (SiC) and aluminium oxide (Al2O3) as reinforcements. Hybird composite material were processed through stir casting process. Addition of SiC is 3,6 and 9 wt.% whereas Al2O3 is fixed 5 wt.%. Wear test was conducted through unlubricated conditions. Wear rate was been recorded after each set of experiment carried through wear test. To optimize the control parameters Taguchi method was used as a statistical tool. L9 orthogonal array was utilized and investigational design was based on control factors namely SiC wt.%, load, sliding distance and response factor was wear rate to study the wear performance. Empirical relation was established for wear rate in relations of control variables by multiple regression analysis. Finally, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the impact of specific factors on wear rate. MINITV.17.1.0 was used to analyse the results. It was observed that load and SiC wt.% were significant factor affecting response variable. Higher values of SiC wt.% increased the wear resistance.

Influence of alumina and zinc oxide nanoparticles on microstructure and electro-mechanical properties of aluminum metal matrix composites fabricated by customized two-step stir casting method

The present paper reports the influence of Alumina (Al2O3) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on the microstructure and electro-mechanical properties of aluminum metal matrix composites (Al MMCs) fabricated by a customized two-step stir casting method. Two types of Al MMCs were developed, (i) Al MMC-01 having 97.5 wt. % of Al and 2.5 wt. % of Al2O3 and (ii) Al MMC-02 having 95 wt. % of Al, 2.5 wt. % of Al2O3 and 2.5 wt. % of ZnO. The microstructures of Al MMC-1 and Al MMC-2 observed in a Scanning electron microscope (SEM) have affirmed the uniform distribution of Al2O3 and ZnO in the metal matrix composites. It has been observed that the addition of 2.5% Al2O3 has improved the hardness, flexural strength, and impact toughness of Al composite significantly compared with pure Al. Furthermore, both bulk and micro hardness of Al MMC-02 have also increased significantly. However, impact strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and electrical conductivity of Al MMC-02 have been reduced by 12%, 52.5%, 60.8%, and 9.81% respectively in comparison with Al MMC-01 as it becomes brittle in nature for the presence of cleavage cracks, deep shear dimples, and crystallographic planes than that of Al MMC-01 as revealed by fractured surface analysis through SEM.

Influence of Quenching Agents on Mechanical, Wear, and Fracture Characteristics of Al2O3 / MoS2 Reinforced Al-6061 Hybrid Metal Matrix Composite (MMCs)

Aluminium (Al) based composites enhance the mechanical and wear behavior by heat treatment. The quenching factors like cooling agent, cooling rate and temperature of cooling are expected to influence the hardness, tensile, and wear behavior of the Al MMCs. This research shows the outcomes of a sequence of experiments to find the wear and mechanical behavior of the Al6061-Al2O3-MoS2 hybrid composites are quenched with different quenching agents. Hardening of the developed hybrid composites was carried out at 510ºC for the time period of 2 hours. Later, the same composite samples were quenched in ice cubes and water separately. Finally, age-hardening was done at 180ºC temperature for 4 hours and then the samples were cooled under room temperature. Heat treated hybrid composites were subjected to evaluate the hardness, tensile, and wear behavior. The outcomes reveal that the heat treatment significantly enhances the wear and mechanical behavior of hybrid composites. High mechanical strength and improved wear characteristics were observed in the hybrid composites which were quenched using ice cubes. The fractured surface of the tensile test samples and the wornout surface of wear test specimens were studied using a SEM analysis.

Temperature dependence of Young’s Modulus of alumina short fiber reinforced Zn–Al MMCs produced by pressure die-casting

Abstract Conventional pressure die-casting was used to produce δ-Al2O3 (Saffil) short fiber reinforced Zn–Al based metal matrix composites, containing 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 vol.% fibers. The temperature dependence of the elasticity modulus of the composites and the matrix material were measured at temperatures from 20 to 200 °C, at 20 °C intervals. It was found that the modulus of elasticity of the composites gradually increased with increasing fiber volume, but decreased with increasing temperature. The rate of change in both, however, differed depending on the fiber volume content of the composites in such a manner that the higher the volume content of fibers the lower the rates of decrease in the modulus of elasticity values with increasing fiber volume and temperature. In addition, the data obtained from the Young’s modulus measurements over the temperature range studied were compared with theoretical results predicted by the shear-lag and Nielsen–Chen models and found to be in a better agreement with those of the later model.

Machinability study of Al and Mg-based metal matrix composites using wire-EDM

In this investigation, a machinability study of the fabricated aluminium (Al) and magnesium (Mg) based MMCs is done using the Wire-EDM process. Initially, Al and Mg-based MMCs are fabricated with Silicon Carbide (SiC) reinforcements particles by the bottom pouring type stir casting process. After that, successful machining of both Al and Mg-based MMCs is carried out using Wire-EDM. The lowest value of machining time and kerf width for both Al/SiC and Mg/SiC MMCs are observed (0.1732 min, 0.3270 mm) and (0.1980 min, 0.2970 mm) respectively. The highest value of material removal rate 71.6651 mm3/min and 53.1313 mm3/min are achieved correspondingly for the Al and Mg-based MMCs. Overall evaluation criteria (OEC) values are calculated for all machining conditions to find out the mean effect of all process parameters simultaneously. The highest calculated OEC value of 75.00 and 84.45 are observed intended for Al/SiC and Mg/SiC respectively.

A Short Review on Applications of Aluminium Composites: Automotive, Aerospace and aircraft, Rail transport, and Marine transport industry

Al MMCs presents an extraordinary chance and a large group of opportunities for the materials/plan engineer. There are presently numerous opportunities for control of properties/property mixes to suit explicit necessities of material and part properties to improve execution and dependability. New and arising mechanical improvements highlight the increment of use of Al MMCs in current and future modern turns of events. A portion of the current boundaries and difficulties are being addressed through different R&D endeavors to track down an enduring arrangement. From the front-going survey, it is clear that the eventual fate of Al MMCs in different modern and business applications is exceptionally brilliant. Progressed innovative improvements in essential and auxiliary handling of Al MMCs will keep on giving them a strategic advantage over the elective materials like Mg, AHSS, and polymer composites. The fundamental difficulties and obstructions that have been recognized incorporate the absence of property displaying (particularly the high-temperature conduct of Al MMCs), absence of plan information, and significant expenses of essential and auxiliary cycles. Be that as it may, there are promising indications of mechanical leap forward by different examination endeavours committed to tracking down answers for these difficulties. New advancements in CNT and nanotechnology have, for instance, offered potential outcomes of the creation of Al MMCs with upgraded properties for high-temperature applications and further developed wear and erosion opposition. These amalgams offer new R&D openings for additional improvement of Al MMCs and will rethink the new jobs and capability of Al MMCs in-car applications. Different specialists are likewise thinking of inventive expense decrease procedures to cut down the expense of supplanting customary ferrous materials with aluminum metal framework composites.

Review of recent trends in friction stir welding process of aluminum alloys and aluminum metal matrix composites

Welding is a vital component of several industries such as automotive, aerospace, robotics, and construction. Without welding, these industries utilize aluminum alloys for the manufacturing of many components or systems. However, fusion welding of aluminum alloys is challenging due to several factors, including the presence of non-heat-treatable alloys, porosity, solidification, and liquation of cracks. Many manufacturers adopt conventional in-air friction stir welding (FSW) to weld metallic alloys and dissimilar materials. Many researchers reported the drawbacks of this traditional in-air FSW technique in welding metallic and polymeric materials in general and aluminum alloys and aluminum matrix composites in specific. A number of FSW techniques were developed recently, such as underwater friction stir welding (UFSW), vibrational friction-stir welding (VFSW), and others, for welding of aluminum alloy joints to overcome the issues of welding using conventional FSW. Therefore, the main objective of this review is to summarize the recent trends in FSW process of aluminum alloys and aluminum metal matrix composites (Al MMCs). Also, it discusses the effect of welding parameters of the traditional and state-of-the-art developed FSW techniques on the welding quality and strength of aluminum alloys and Al MMCs. Comparison among the techniques and advantages and limitations of each are considered. The review suggests that VFSW is a viable option for welding aluminum joints due to its energy efficiency, economic cost, and versatile modifications that can be employed based on the application. This review also illustrated that significantly less attention has been paid to FSW of Al-MMCs and considerable attention is demanded to produce qualified joint.

Influence of B4C and SiC particles on aluminium metal matrix composites: A brief overview

Abstract That key objective of this paper should be to draw investigators' focus to the enhancement of B4C & SiC improved workability of aluminium matrix composites (FGAMCs). The addition of reinforcement into metal matrix leads to improvement in stiffness, wear, creep, strength and fatigue properties. This really is largely due to greater mechanical and physical properties such as solid, robust, resistant towards abrasion, and is not readily rusted. Based on the type of reinforcement, size and morphology, Al MMCs are fabricated by stir casting process. Al MMCs have become a choice materials in applications such as aerospace, construction, marine and automotive. This paper presents the overview of the influence of B4C and SiC particles on aluminium metal matrix composites. Determining the effect of B4C and SiC particles on aluminium metal matrix composites, the findings contained in the reviewed literature are classified. The key conclusions in this paper are drawn from prior reports on laboratory testing. by scholars. Further, the effect of different reinforcement percentage of B4C and SiC on mechanical properties have also been discussed in detail. Major applications of Al MMCs are also highlighted in this work.

Microstructure, tensile properties and deformation behaviors of aluminium metal matrix composites co-reinforced by ex-situ carbon nanotubes and in-situ alumina nanoparticles

In this study, the origin of the high tensile ductility (>10% strain to fracture) of a new class of high-strength (yield strength >500 MPa) aluminium (Al) metal matrix composites (Al MMCs) co-reinforced by ex-situ carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and in-situ γ−Al2O3 nanoparticles was investigated. The microstructures of these unique Al MMCs prior to and post tensile testing were characterized in detail using high resolution transmission electron microscopy, in order to understand their response to tensile deformation. The pathways to the in-situ formation of γ−Al2O3 nanoparticles were identified and attributed to the high energy ball milling process, and the subsequent spark plasma sintering, which converted the amorphous Al-oxide into γ−Al2O3 nanoparticles. The in-situ γ−Al2O3 nanoparticles and Al matrix exhibited a semi-coherent interface, which led to a markedly increased dislocation density in the matrix around the nanoparticles during tensile deformation. These dislocations were precursors to microvoid formation and consequent dimples on further deformation. The co-operation of CNTs and γ−Al2O3 nanoparticles resulted in a long strain-softening stage and therefore excellent tensile ductility. The results suggested that the exploitation of hybrid reinforcement by ex-situ CNTs and in-situ nanoparticles can enable the fabrication of high-performance metal matrix composites.

Fabrication and analysis of TIG welding-brazing butt joints of in-situ TiB2/7050 composite and TA2

Lightweight hybrid structures of Al MMCs and titanium alloy dissimilar materials have great prospect in the defence industry application. So, it is necessary to join Al MMCs with Ti metal to achieve this structural design. In this work, in-situ TiB2/7050 composite and TA2 were firstly attempted to join by TIG welding-brazing technique. The result was that the intact welding-brazing butt joint was successfully fabricated. The joint presents dual characteristics, being a brazing on TA2 side and a welding on TiB2/7050 side. At brazing joint side, ER4043 filler metal effectively wets on TA2 under TIG heating condition, and a continuous interfacial reaction layer with 1–3 μm is formed at welded metal/TA2 interface. The whole interfacial reaction layers are composed of Ti(AlSi)3 intermetallic compounds (IMCs), but their morphologies at the different regions present obvious distinguishes. The microhardness of the reaction layers is as much as 141–190 HV. At welding joints side, the fusion zone appears the equixaed crystal structure, and the grain sizes are much smaller than those of welded metal, which is attributed to the effect of TiB2 particulates from the melted TiB2/7050 on acceleration formation and inhibiting growth for the new crystal nucleus. The tensile test results show that average tensile strength of the optimal welding-brazing joint is able to achieve 138 MPa. The failure of the tensile joint occurs by quasi-cleavage pattern, and the cracks initiate from the IMCs layer at the groove surface of TA2 and propagate into the welded metal.

Fatigue behavior of in-situ TiB2/7050Al metal matrix composites: Fracture mechanisms and fatigue life modeling after milling

Due to the superior properties such as low density, improved strength and wear resistance, the in-situ TiB2/7050Al MMCs have become a series of promising aeronautical materials. However, researches of manufacturing performance and fatigue behavior on machined in-situ TiB2/7050 Al MMCs have not been widely carried out. In this study, the fatigue behavior of machined in-situ TiB2/7050Al MMCs specimens such as fatigue mechanism, stress concentration, fatigue life and life modeling were deeply investigated. It was found that the fatigue life ranges from 1.0 × 105 to 4.0 × 106, which turned to be obvious high-cycle fatigue life. With surface roughness increased, the fatigue life decreased sharply. It would be highly significant to reduce the machined surface roughness below 1.0 μm for higher fatigue life. The fracture mechanisms of cutting in-situ TiB2/7050Al MMCs was found to be brittle fracture due to the existence of fine particles. Besides, a stress concentration model and fatigue life prediction model were established. With validation, the relative errors between prediction model and experiment were smaller than 18% indicating that the proposed fatigue life prediction model of machined in-situ TiB2/7050Al MMCs was of good reliability and accuracy.

Flux-Free Diffusion Joining of SiCp/6063 Al Matrix Composites Using Liquid Gallium with Nano-Copper Particles in Atmosphere Environment.

A new method for flux-free diffusion joining of aluminum matrix composites reinforced with SiC particles (SiCp/Al MMCs) in atmosphere environment has been developed. Liquid gallium and nano-copper particles were employed as filler metal under joining temperatures ranging between 400 °C to 480 °C, with a holding time of 2 h and pressure of 3 MPa. The results showed that 65 vol.% SiCp/6063 Al MMCs were successfully joined together. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the presence of Ga2O3 at the fracture. Meanwhile, neither copper oxide nor aluminum oxide was detected. The formation of Ga2O3 can protect nano-copper particles and SiCp/6063 Al MMCs from oxidation. The width of weld seam tended to be narrowed from 40 μm to 14 μm gradually with increasing temperature from 400 °C to 480 °C. The maximum shear strength level of 41.2 MPa was achieved with a bonding temperature of 450 °C. The change of the strength was due to the adequate elements’ mutual diffusion and solution, as well as the change of the quantity and morphology of intermetallic compounds in the weld seam, such as Al2Cu and Cu3Ga. When the diffusion joining temperature reached 440 °C or above, the leak rate of the specimen remained under 10−10 Pa·m3/s.

Effect of Beryl Reinforcement in Aluminum 2024 on Mechanical Properties

Aluminum MMC is being enormously used in automotive and aerospace applications because of their enhanced mechanical properties. Commonly used MMCs are alloys of aluminum, magnesium, titanium and iron. Particulate reinforcement of Al MMCs includes silicon carbide, boron carbide, tungsten carbide, graphite, etc. Aluminum MMCs reinforced with ceramics like neodymium, yttrium, cerium, Pr praseodymium, beryl, etc., are finding a lot of importance. In the current work, investigation of the mechanical properties of Al2024 with beryl as the reinforcement is being carried out. The composites were prepared by stir casting technique. Mechanical properties like tensile strength, hardness and toughness were determined. Microstructural studies and XRD analysis were carried out to check the uniform distribution of beryl particles and chemical composition of the MMC. The experiments were conducted for As-cast and annealed samples. The experimental results revealed that UTS and hardness increased with an increase in wt% of beryl particles up to 6%. But toughness increased with an increase in wt% of beryl particles up to 10% and remained constant. The annealed samples showed a decrease in UTS (18.7%) and hardness (1.8%). The microstructural studies revealed uniform distribution of beryl particles in the composites, and XRD analysis revealed the chemical composition of the MMC and the presence of beryl in composite. Experimental studies reveal that there is an enhancement of UTS by 10.7%, hardness by 11.1% and the toughness from 2 to 5.75 J/m3. The % elongation has decreased from 11 to 6% when wt% of beryl was varied from 0 to 14%.

Extraordinary reinforcing effect of carbon nanotubes in aluminium matrix composites assisted by in-situ alumina nanoparticles

Existing aluminium metal matrix composites (Al MMCs) can attain both high tensile yield strength (>500 MPa) and high elastic modulus (>90 GPa) but usually at the expense of tensile strain-to-fracture (~5% or less). Here we report the development of a novel class of Al MMCs that can offer tensile yield strength of 515 ± 17 MPa, elastic modulus of 95.6 ± 1.7 GPa and tensile strain-to-fracture of 10.4 ± 0.8%. Our design hypothesis is to reinforce the Al matrix with ex situ introduced carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for primary strengthening but at the same time we craft a high number density of in situ formed ultrafine γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles to improve dimple fracture. Together they act in concert to render outstanding tensile properties. The strengthening and failure mechanisms of the as-fabricated Al-CNTs-γ-Al2O3 MMCs are characterized in detail. The design concept proposed and validated in this study can be informative for the fabrication of other high-performance carbon-reinforced MMCs.