Status of metal matrix composite technology in the Japanese automotive industry

摘要

This paper reviews the progress and status of metal matrix composite technology in the Japanese automobile industyr. In the 1960s, motorization began in earnest in Japan, and the number of automobile producers increased to elevent. At the end of the 1970s, the automobile industry had very strong interest in, and high hopes for , metal matrix composite materials, due to potential improvement in fuel economy and vehicel weight reductio. After ten years of development, metal matrix composites debuted as an engine connecting-rod and a diesel engine piston in 1982. in the last 15 years, the characteristics and productivity of metal matrix composites have improved due to technology advances in fiber materials and fabrication methods.