The Solidifi cation Processing of Metal-Matrix Composites: The Rohatgi Symposium

Metal-matrix composites (MMCs) are used in a large number of high-performance applications. In 2004, more than 3.5 million kg of MMCs were used and the number is increasing rapidly, with an annual growth rate exceeding 6%. Most of the current MMC applications are in ground transportation, aviation, electronics, and sports industries. The initial discovery of the synthesis of cast aluminum-matrix composites, including aluminum-graphite, Al-SiC, and Al-Al 2 O 3 particulate cast MMCs was made by Pradeep Rohatgi in 1965 at the Paul D. Merica Research Laboratory of the International Nickel Company in Suffern, New York. The fundamental understanding of solidifi cation processing of MMCs and the technology related to the manufacture and use of these composites has come a long way since Rohatgi’s discovery. The Rohatgi Honorary Symposium on Solidifi cation Processing of MetalMatrix Composites was organized as a part of the 2006 TMS Annual Meeting to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Rohatgi’s initial discovery as well as his continued efforts over the last four decades. The symposium was organized by Nikhil Gupta of Polytechnic University, Brooklyn, New York, and Warren Hunt, now the executive director of TMS. It was sponsored by the TMS Structural Materials Division, TMS Materials Processing & Manufacturing Division, TMS Composite Materials Committee, and TMS Solidifi cation Committee. The goal of the symposium was to look at the developmental path of MMCs and to determine future directions for research and applications. The symposium was divided into six sessions, which covered fi ve broad fi elds: “Overview of Developments in MMCs,” “Processing and Microstructure,” “Properties,” The Solidifi cation Processing of Metal-Matrix Composites: The Rohatgi Symposium