A composite consisting of a non-metallic reinforcement incorporated into a metal matrix. The reinforcements may be either continuous (e.g. carbon fibres) or discontinuous (e.g. silicon carbide whiskers). MMCs can be produced by chemical vapour deposition, liquid metal infiltration, diffusion bonding, direct casting or near-net shape techniques. The composite receives the metallic nature of thermal and electrical conductivity with higher-temperature operating limits and improved mechanical properties than the base metal.
