Combining metal textiles with ceramics by injection molding for novel composites with promising properties

Multifunctional composites are becoming increasingly important for industrial applications. The connection of metal and ceramic offers a variety of property combinations, such as hardness - ductility, wear resistance - strength or electric conductivity - insulation. Especially the joint production of metal textiles and ceramic enables a novel composite with increased damage tolerance. By in-mould labeling process composites made of stainless steel (316L) nonwovens and zirconia or alumina feedstock were produced and sintered together. The steel fibres were deeply embedded in the ceramic. Due to the insertion of flexible steel structures in a ceramic component, the damage tolerance of the composite, which is particularly suitable for ballistic applications, increases. Another possible usage is the connection of high- and low-melting materials without brazing. If the nonwoven is not completely embedded into the ceramic, a low-melting metal can be applied in an additional heat treatment step and connected to the ceramic component.