7. Outlook

Predicting the future is always a perilous business, especially when it comes to technology. However, it is clear that pMMCs have interesting properties, such as good wear resistance and low density, which make their use highly probable, at least for a number of applications. The cost price, which has fallen considerably in recent years, the possibility of shaping to final dimensions, and improvements in CMMp recycling are all promising signs.

Nevertheless, very low ductility remains the most worrying problem. Despite many efforts, low ductility seems to be inherent to this class of new materials. However, it is possible that current incorporation processes introduce sufficient oxides to affect ductility. Some improvement may be possible.

High wear resistance also has its counterpart: secondary shaping tools (extrusion, rolling, forging,...