Composite Materials

· Honda employs metal matrix composites reinforced with aluminum oxide and carbon fibers in the construction of the cylinder walls (4) of its engines.
· The carbon and oxide fiber form is placed in the mold and the aluminum of the block casting penetrates to form the composite cylinder walls.
· The walls can be reduced in thickness for a given strength as compared to a non-reinforced wall, improving heat transfer to the coolant and permitting closer spacing between the cylinders.