4. Sandwich Technique

This chapter deals with the processing technique denominated sandwich technique for the synthesis of light alloy composites. The technique is described in detail for manufacturing magnesium and aluminum alloys reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes. The microstructure of the products obtained at each step of the technique is discussed. The microstructural and mechanical characterization of the final products is presented and discussed. The sandwich technique consists of stacking a polymer previously reinforced with carbon nanotubes, which is used as a vehicle to bring the reinforcement to the metal matrix. The manufacturing process is carried out by a hot compacted system with atmosphere and pressure control. The sandwich technique is a diffusive process where the polymer is thermally degraded, to finally clamp the reinforcement between metallic sheets. This chapter shows the feasibility of the manufacturing process for future applications in different sectors.