Sedimentation and flotation seem to be simple physical processes and it should be easy
to make use of them. To do this in a real situation one must be very familiar with the processes.
Employment of mathematical modeling and numerical simulations is extremely helpful here. A
great number of pages have been devoted to this matter [102-108]. Some basic features of these
phenomena, which are closely related to the manufacture of graded structures in particle
reinforced MMCs, will be given below.
Sedimentation and flotation in the process of MMCs preparation exist because of
gravity, and arise as a result of the density difference between particles and the metal matrix
melt. Special experiments with a water-SiC suspension will be described on the next few pages
in order to give a better understanding of particle sedimentation in MMCs synthesis. A variety
of formula to estimate the viscosity of slurries will be presented. Finally, utilization of the
phenomena will be discussed.
