Metal fiber reinforced composites

Abstract The developments in the type of metal fiber reinforcements, manufacturing processes, properties and applications of metal fiber-reinforced composites are described in this Chapter. Metal fibers are mainly used as reinforcement in tyres, concrete and also in reinforcing of metals or metal foams. Incorporation of metal fibers into conventional fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites creates a strong, ductile, hybrid fiber composite that reduces material cost and weight in comparison to metal based structures. Metal fibers are used for electromagnetic and electrostatic shielding, signal transmission, heat exchange, abrasive medium, filtration, and design elements. Unidirectional steel reinforcement is also used in hoisting and timing belts. In the automobile industry metal fibers are used in sound absorbers or brake covering. Press molding, thermoforming, and tape winding were successfully applied on steel cord reinforced materials. Metal fibers are commonly available as filament yarns, rovings, mats, and wovens, and their common merit is their high temperature resistance. Except for steel, metal fibers of aluminum, magnesium, copper, molybdenum, and tungsten are made for particular applications. Metal fibers are produced of different pure metals and alloys in various diameters. The metal fibers are used as such for various applications and it is further incorporated into several matrices to form metal fiber reinforced composites.