Nanostructured Material

Nanomaterials & Nanocomposites

Nanostructured Metal Matrix Composites (NMMCs)

Aegis Technology has developed a proprietary process to develop particulate-reinforced aluminum (Al) metal matrix composites that incorporate nanocrystalline microstructure.  These composites are referred to as nanostructured metal matrix composites or NMMCs.  These NMMCs have high strengths of up to 1000 MPa which is equivalent to that of homogeneously-rolled steel and Ti alloys.  However, the Al-based NMMCs have only 33% of the density of steel and 60% of the density of Ti alloys.  Compared with conventional metal matrix composites (MMCs), NMMCs have 100% improved strength, better isostatic properties, and cost lower to produce.  By using hot isostatic pressing (HIP), pressed NMMC billets can be provided from 1 lb. to 100 lbs. for experimental characterization, prototyping, and commercial production. In addition, Aegis Technology can manufacture standard product or custom-designed forms per customer specifications.

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(a)  SEM Image of SiC NMMC
(b)  TEM Image of SiC NMMC

MMCs and NMMCs for Ballistic Armor Applications

Aegis Technology has developed the following MMCs and NMMCs for ballistic armor applications:

  • Al-based  (including 2024 aluminum alloy) MMCs and NMMCs with reinforced carbon nanofibers
  • Al-based MMCs and NMMCs with short fibers comprising of shape memory alloys
  • Cu-based nanomaterials
  • Nanostructured Inconel alloys
  • Ti-based NMMCs with reinforced SiC particulates

These materials can be used in armor, military vehicles, missile structures, space vehicle structural parts, powertrain parts, optical system components including mirrors, and electronics packaging components.  Volume fractions between 10 to 25% can be achieved for structural applications.  In addition, a volume fraction between 30 to 60% can be achieved to ensure a low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) for thermal management applications.

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(a)  Forged disc specimens made from SiC NMMCs
(b)  Ballistics testing of forged disc specimens made from SiC NMMCs

Nanomaterials for Other Applications

Aegis Technology has also developed the following nanomaterials for other applications:

  • Aluminum (Al) based composites and nanocomposites for lightweight structural materials
  • Aluminum (Al) and Copper (Cu) based composites for thermal management applications
  • Aluminum Nitride (AlN) based high thermal conductivity materials
  • Brazing materials
  • High-strength alloys and composites
  • Magnetic materials
  • Nanocomposites
  • Nanostructured Copper (Cu) materials with high strength and high electrical conductivity
  • Nanostructured electrode materials for the anodes and cathodes of Li-ion batteries
  • Nanostructured materials for solar cells
  • Nanostructured powders for protection coatings
  • Nanostructured thermoelectric composites
  • Nanostructured transparent ceramics
  • Permanent rare earth magnetic materials
  • Thermoelectric materials

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(a)  Ceramic nanocoating on copper magnet wire
(b) Nanopowder used as a braze filler
(c)  Bi2Te3-Sb2Te3 nanocomposites used as a thermoelectric material

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