Multi-functional SiC/Al Composites for Aerospace Applications

Multi-functional Al-matrix composites with high volume fraction (55%-57%) of SiC particles are produced with the new pres-sureless infiltration fabrication technology. X-ray detection and microscopic observation display the composites which are macroscopi-cally homogeneous without porosity. The investigation further reveals that the SiC/Al composites possess low density (2.94 g/cm3), high elastic modulus (220 GPa), prominent thermal management function as a result of low coefficient of thermal expansion (8×10−6 K−1) and high thermal conductivity (235 W/(m·K)) as well as unique preventability of resonance vibration. By adopting a series of developed techniques, the multi-functional SiC/Al composites have managed to be made into near-net-shape parts. Many kinds of precision components of space-based optomechanical structures and airborne optoelectronic platform have been turned out. Of them, several typical products are being under test in practices.