SupremEX Metal Matrix Composites

Our SupremEX® family of metal matrix composites (MMCs) offer balanced property combinations that are unmatched by conventional metals and alloys. SupremEX MMCs are stronger, stiffer and lighter, making them ideal for use in a wider range of demanding applications that include aerospace components, commercial and performance automotive pistons, satellite structures and optical systems. SupremEX MMCs offer a range of coefficient of thermal expansion (CTEs) and good thermal conductivity applicable in many thermal management and electronics packaging applications.

SupremEX MMCs combine an ultrafine silicon carbide reinforcement with aerospace aluminum alloys. The resulting composites are superior to conventional alloys because they combine the lightweight properties of aluminum with outstanding strength and stiffness. SupremEX products can be used to replace aluminum, titanium, steel and other structural alloys and composites.

SupremEX aluminum-silicon-carbide metal matrix composites (MMCs) are available in different material grades to address needs in a range of applications, including space and defense, automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics and more.

SUPREMEX COMBINES WEIGHT REDUCTION AND HIGH PERFORMANCE

The weight savings using SupremEX MMCs is significant. The materials are nearly 70 percent lighter than bronze, 60 percent lighter than steel and 38 percent lighter than titanium. And SupremEX MMCs increase component capability due to their high strength and stiffness properties. While components made of SupremEX composites are as light as some carbon fiber parts, they offer increased ductility, which results in superior damage tolerance and improved resistance to wear.

SUPREMEX MMCS ENGINEERED TO MEET SPECIFIC APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

While SupremEX composites are all engineered to improve wear resistance, fatigue strength and tensile strength at elevated temperatures, each grade offers unique benefits customized to different applications.

WEIGHT SAVINGS IN COMMERCIAL AND MILITARY AEROSPACE APPLICATIONS

With increasing emphasis on reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions in aerospace applications, aircraft companies need to find solutions. Using lighter component materials is one option. SupremEX MMCs are ideal for use in aero-engine components such as bushings and bearings as well as aircraft structures. They offer high strength and wear resistance along with significant weight savings. With a low coefficient of thermal expansion, components made of these MMCs will also maintain tighter dimensional control over the broad range of temperatures typically experienced during flight.

STABILITY AND ACCURACY IN SPACE AND DEFENSE APPLICATIONS

Accuracy is crucial when it comes to space and defense applications and vibration within the structures can threaten the precision of its optical systems. SupremEX composites provide exceptional stiffness to ensure structure stability, and they are up to 60% lighter than conventional materials. Their high strength and lightweight properties, combined with stiffness comparable to titanium and twice that of aluminum, reduce jitter that can compromise optical system components. MMCs improve reliability and stability in a range of temperatures.

SupremEX composites enhance performance of space & defense applications ranging from air and space-borne surveillance to targeting optics, astronomical telescopes and satellite structures.

FUEL EFFICIENCY AND REDUCED CO₂ IN AUTOMOTIVE POWERTRAIN APPLICATONS

As automotive designers focus on reducing CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption in traditional internal combustion engines, or transition to alternative fuels such as hydrogen, many are turning to high-performance MMCs that race teams have used for years. The goal is to improve performance without sacrificing horsepower and reliability in passenger cars.

SupremEX 225 MMCs are an ideal replacement for conventional materials in powertrain components. They are 50% stronger than aluminum at high temperatures and, when used for pistons, they enable changes such as reduced crevice volume and lighter piston pins, which improve power while reducing fuel consumption. Engine components made of SupremEX MMCs have low-friction characteristics that result in reduced wear when running against other materials. These properties add up to optimized efficiency in high-temperature, high-pressure engine environments.

AVAILABLE FORMS

SupremEX MMCs are available in:

• HIP billets (hot isostatic pressing)
• Forged plates or shapes
• Extruded profiles
• Rolled sheets

To access more of our technical resources on SupremEX metal matrix composites, please visit Resources.