Types of Metallic Fiber：Stainless steel fiber, aluminum alloy fiber, copper fiber
A number of metals are available in various fibrous forms. However, a number of practical factors limit the number of fiber types for composite applications. The most important influencing factors are availability, abundance, processing difficulties and cost. Cost of metal fibers is determined by a number of factors such as fiber type, abundance, production procedure, diameter, form and so on.
300 and 400 series stainless steel, nichrome, inconel, hastelloy x, carpenter 20cb3, nickel, 80/20 nickel chromium, titanium and tantalum are widely used to produce metal fibers.
Stainless steel fibers are the most potential metal fibers in terms of availability, application and material properties.
Aluminum is the major material used in light weight vehicle structures such as aircrafts. Aluminum alloys are used in most of the aerospace components. They are of low density, and possess high electrical and thermal conductivities and good resistance to chemical corrosion. Aluminum is also recyclable and properties do not degrade with the recycling process. Aluminum fiber composites showed improved mechanical, thermal and electrical properties than glass fiber reinforced composites.
Among the other fibers used, copper has been used in a number of applications as it is tough, ductile, malleable and has exceptionally high electrical and thermal conductivities.