| Scope |
On account of their significant impact to improve both mechanical and functional properties of ceramic and metallic materials, ceramic- and metal- matrix composites (CMCs and MMCs) have been in the spotlight in recent years. Having established that in a given material, phases can improve thermal and functional properties, in addition to the role of others in reinforcing mechanical strength, the contemporary design philosophy targets to the multi-functionality concept. Functional phases are those which confer electrical, electronic, dielectric, magnetic, optical, etc., properties to the materials. In addition, with the advent of nanoscience and nanotechnology, their application span has broadened further. In this context, in a multifunctional approach, a composite may include functional, thermal and/or reinforcing phases, which can improve stiffness, wear resistance, fracture toughness, etc., and confer thermal or functional properties. Given the wide variety of processing routes, it is wise to establish a correlation of processing with the microstructure and properties of the composites. A symposium devoted to advances in such an important technological field will provide researchers, technologists, academicians and students with a forum for the discussion on the current status and trends in the development of CMCs and MMCs. Acknowledging the increasingly growing environmental concern, inclusion of the economic, safety, social and sustainability/recycling aspects in processing is paramount. Accordingly, contributions are invited that include but are not limited to the following areas:
• Innovative and traditional matrix compositions.
• Micro- and nano-composites (matrix; functional, thermal or reinforcing phases).
• Reinforcements as continuous and short fibers, whiskers and particles.
• Characterization of interfaces in composites.
• Composites with multimodal distribution of matrix, reinforcing/thermal/functional phases.
• Hybrid composites containing ex-situ and in-situ formed phases.
• Synthetic and natural or waste/recycling reinforcing/thermal/functional phases.
• Methods for joining/welding MMCs or MMCs with alloys.
• Corrosion behavior (humid environment and electrochemical behavior).
• Thermal and mechanical behavior; fracture of CMCs and MMCs
• Manufacturing costs related topics; Safety considerations in CMCs and MMCs.
• Societal impact; Sustainability and recycling aspects. |