A small yet strategic global market, metal matrix composites are a critical and essential element of many advanced technologies. The present state of the metal matrix composite business, however, is changing. A global recession and 9-11 particularly affected commercial aerospace and other end-use markets for metal matrix composites. At the same time, new entrants and expansions by existing producers resulted in additional capacity.

While the military aerospace market remains an important target for metal matrix composites, opportunities have emerged in other industries. The push for better fuel economy and lighter vehicles has opened the door to expanded usage of metal matrix composites in automobiles. Increasing performance of microprocessors has resulted in heat-generating challenges. These have elicited increasing interest in thermal management applications for metal matrix composites. Also, companies in the business are working to create new market opportunities.

This BCC report provides a detailed and comprehensive multiclient study of the global market for metal matrix composites (MMCs) as well as potential business opportunities in the future. It includes thorough coverage of the underlying business issues driving the market, as well as assessments of new and potential products that companies are developing.

SCOPE OF STUDY

The report contains:

• Analysis of the current global markets for metal matrix composites and systems in detail
• Identification of the most promising market opportunities
• Examination of end-use markets: ground transportation, electronics, commercial and defense aerospace, industrial and defense, recreational equipment, etc.
• Coverage of the many issues concerning the merits and future prospects for the business, including corporate strategies, technologies, and the means for providing these products and service offerings
• Detailed coverage of regulatory and economic issues
• A review of the industry and its structure, and the many companies involved in providing these materials and technologies
• Discussion of the competitive positions of the main players and the strategic options they face.

METHODOLOGY

The research methodology was qualitative in nature and employed a triangulating approach, which aids validity. Initially, a comprehensive and exhaustive search of the literature on metal matrix composites was conducted. These secondary sources included journals and related books, trade literature, marketing literature, other product/promotional literature, annual reports, security analyst reports, information from trade associations, and other publications. A patent search and analysis was also conducted.

In a second phase, a series of semi-structured interviews were conducted with marketing executives, engineers, business unit managers, engineers, and other personnel at the metal matrix composites companies. Other sources included academics, systems integrators, technology and materials suppliers, technical experts, trade association officials, government officials, and consulting companies. These were a rich source of data. Subsequent analysis of the documents and interview notes was iterative.

AUTHOR'S CREDENTIALS

The author has over 20 years experience in competitive intelligence, industrial market research, planning and marketing at major corporations, market research consultancies and think tanks. He advises and briefs management about economic and industry conditions, strategic developments, and the effects of proposed developments in plastics, metals, and other materials. The author has employed scenario analysis to investigate and research the future of industry to identify the impact of globalization, consolidation, demographics, changing industry structure, and technological innovation. His particular interest lies in the interaction of strategy, economic and industry developments, and innovation. He holds a BA and a MA degree in industrial economics, and has completed other studies in business administration.

RELATED BCC WORK CREDENTIALS

Founded in 1971, Business Communications Co., Inc. (BCC) is known throughout the world for its technical-economic reports and services. The company has studied major market, economic, environmental, and technological developments that have characterized industry during the past 2 decades to produce reports, newsletters, and conferences. In the process, BCC has focused on advanced materials, high-technology systems and components, and novel processing methods since the development and marketing of these phenomena assert a profound influence on manufacturers and users on a worldwide scale.

BCC clients include almost every major corporation in the United States, Canada, Western Europe, and Japan. Other BCC reports of related interest to the subject of metal matrix composites include: The Market for Electronics Thermal Management Technologies; Powder Metallurgy; and Metal Injection Molding. The company has also conducted reports on a wide variety of other materials issues.