APPLICATION OF ALUMINIUM HYBRID COMPOSITES IN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Strict requirements that are put on mechanical constructions from the aspect of increase of exploitation periods and reduction of their weights, therefore of their prices as well, implicate developments and applications of new composite materials with matrices of lightweight metals. Composite materials with metal matrices are used for engine cylinders, pistons, disc and drum brakes, Cardan shafts and for other elements in automotive and aviation industry. The most important type of metallic materials is composite materials with matrices of aluminium alloys due to a set of their beneficial properties. Improvement of mechanical, especially tribological properties of hybrid composites were provided by the use of certain reinforce materials such as SiC, Al2O3 and graphite in defined weight or volumetric share. New developed hybrid composites with aluminium matrices have significantly higher resistance to wear, higher specific stiffness and higher resistance to fatigue. By the increase of quantities of produced elements made of hybrid composites, decrease of their prices is induced that even further enlarge their applications. The applications of aluminium hybrid composites are considered from the aspect and with the focus on automotive industry.