| abstract |
A composition of matter comprises aluminium or aluminium alloy, such as LM 13, into which has been incorporated between 5 and 50% by volume of zirconia. The zirconia may be in the form of fibres or of powder. As compared with the aluminium alloy, this reduces the thermal conductivity and coefficient of expansion, and provides a material which has, particularly at elevated temperatures above 300 DEG C., improved tensile strength, compressive strength, and hardness and reduced elongation. |