Ticalium is a metal matrix composite that combines aluminum, titanium and carbon for a strong and hard metal that resists wear.
Tire studs are one possible application for ticalium metal composite because it is light weight. The Finnish government has asked manufacturers to reduce the weight of studs.
A London-based company has filed a patent application for a new metal-matrix composite that combines aluminum, titanium and carbon to produce a strong and hard metal with increased wear resistance.
The Adal Group Inc. says its composite, which it is calling "ticalium," is a super-hard, extruded composite that can be used for automotive brake discs and drums, calipers and pistons; tire studs; train wheels; motorcycle disc brakes; bicycle frames; and golf clubs.
The company says the composite can be cast, sprayed or extruded to produce complex profiles, and finishing and fabricating operations can include anodizing, welding and painting among others. Dr. Cem Selcuk, Adal's project manager for the metal composite, says ticalium has a tensile strength rating of about 330 megapascals (Mpa) compared with white cast iron with a tensile strength rating of 250 Mpa. The composite also is lighter in weight and stiffer than white cast iron in similar applications and does not have the brittleness of iron. The composition of the composite can be varied to suit the application.
The Adal Group filed a patent application in the United Kingdom for the composite.
