Authors :
V. Geethalakshmi
Volume/Issue :
ICMST-2025
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/57u94xak
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/y2hz42f3
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25nov755
Abstract :
The aerospace industry continually seeks advanced materials that provide superior mechanical strength, high
stiffness-to-weight ratios, and thermal stability while reducing overall structural mass. Among the leading candidates,
polymer matrix composites (PMCs) and metal matrix composites (MMCs) have emerged as pivotal materials shaping
modern aeronautical design. While PMCs dominate applications requiring lightweight and corrosion-resistant structures,
MMCs excel in high-temperature and high-load environments. This paper presents a comprehensive comparative review
of PMCs and MMCs, focusing on their fundamental properties, fabrication techniques, structural performance, and
suitability for various aeronautical applications. The review discusses microstructural behavior, interfacial bonding
mechanisms, fatigue life, and thermal stability differences between the two composite systems. Additionally, it evaluates
recent advancements in hybrid metal-polymer composites that bridge the performance gap between PMCs and MMCs.
The discussion concludes with future research trends emphasizing multifunctional, smart, and sustainable composites for
next-generation aircraft structures.
Keywords :
Polymer Matrix Composites, Metal Matrix Composites, Comparative Analysis, Aerospace Materials, Mechanical Properties, Thermal Performance, Fatigue Strength, Lightweight Structures, Hybrid Composites.
The aerospace industry continually seeks advanced materials that provide superior mechanical strength, high
stiffness-to-weight ratios, and thermal stability while reducing overall structural mass. Among the leading candidates,
polymer matrix composites (PMCs) and metal matrix composites (MMCs) have emerged as pivotal materials shaping
modern aeronautical design. While PMCs dominate applications requiring lightweight and corrosion-resistant structures,
MMCs excel in high-temperature and high-load environments. This paper presents a comprehensive comparative review
of PMCs and MMCs, focusing on their fundamental properties, fabrication techniques, structural performance, and
suitability for various aeronautical applications. The review discusses microstructural behavior, interfacial bonding
mechanisms, fatigue life, and thermal stability differences between the two composite systems. Additionally, it evaluates
recent advancements in hybrid metal-polymer composites that bridge the performance gap between PMCs and MMCs.
The discussion concludes with future research trends emphasizing multifunctional, smart, and sustainable composites for
next-generation aircraft structures.
Keywords :
Polymer Matrix Composites, Metal Matrix Composites, Comparative Analysis, Aerospace Materials, Mechanical Properties, Thermal Performance, Fatigue Strength, Lightweight Structures, Hybrid Composites.
