Metal-ceramic composites with greater speed and higher quality are reportedly processed in seconds at M Cubed Technologies Inc. (MCT), Newark, Del., by a microwave process developed at Pennsylvania State University, University Park. MCT is using the Penn State microwave technology to enhance three of its existing composite manufacturing processes: pressureless metal infiltration, directed metal oxidation, and reaction bonding. Company researchers also say the technology is ideal for producing body armor vest inserts, a market for which MCT already manufactures as many as 20,000 vest inserts each month. In addition to the inserts, researchers say other potential applications range from heat sinks to high-quality mirrors to machinery used in semiconductor manufacturing.
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