Which process combines metal and ceramic materials to produce improved mechanical properties?

The process that combines metal and ceramic materials to produce improved mechanical properties is specifically known as metal matrix composites (MMCs). In this process, a metal serves as the matrix, while ceramic materials, such as silicon carbide or alumina, are used as reinforcements. The inclusion of ceramic particles within the metal matrix significantly enhances various mechanical attributes, including strength, stiffness, and resistance to wear and deformation. This synergy leads to lightweight materials with superior performance capabilities, making them suitable for applications in aerospace, automotive, and structural engineering.

Composite manufacturing is a broader term that encompasses various methods of producing composite materials, which can include fiber-reinforced polymers, but it doesn't specifically denote the metal and ceramic combination. Hydroforming is a technique used to shape metal into complex forms using high-pressure hydraulic fluid, while powder metallurgy focuses on the production of metal parts from powdered materials without needing to involve ceramics. Thus, metal matrix composites specifically address the combination of metal and ceramic materials for enhanced mechanical properties.