Abstract This composite material includes reinforcing carbon fibers and a matrix metal which is an alloy containing from 2% to about 8% by weight of Zn, less than about 2% by weight of Zr, less than about 1% by weight of Al, and balance substantially Mg. Thereby, the strength of the composite material is found to be substantially improved. Preferably, the content of Zn in the matrix metal may be from 3% to about 7.5% by weight, even more preferably this content of Zn in the matrix metal may be from 4.5% to about 7% by weight, and optimally it may be 6% by weight. Preferably, the content of Zr in the matrix metal is less than about 0.18% by weight, and preferably the content of Al in the matrix metal is less than about 0.6% by weight. The carbon fibers may desirably be high strength carbon fibers, i.e. carbon fibers which have low graphitization level.
A composite material consisting essentially of: (a) reinforcing carbon fibers; and (b) a matrix metal which is an alloy containing from 2% to about 8% by weight of Zn, less than about 2% by weight of Zr, less than about 1% by weight of Al, with the balance being substantially Mg.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
51 words
A composite material consisting essentially of: (a) reinforcing carbon fibers; and (b) a matrix metal which is an alloy containing from 2% to about 8% by weight of Zn, less than about 2% by weight of Zr, less than about 1% by weight of Al, with the balance being substantially Mg.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The composite material according to claim 1, wherein the content of Zn in said matrix metal is from 3% to about 7.5% by weight.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The composite material according to claim 1, wherein the content of Zn in said matrix metal is from 4.5% to about 7% by weight.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The composite material according to claim 1, wherein the content of Zn in said matrix metal is about 6% by weight.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A composite material according to claim 1, wherein the content of Zr in said matrix metal is less than about 0.18% by weight.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A composite material according to claim 1, wherein the content of Al in said matrix metal is less than about 0.6% by weight.