Advanced production routes for metal matrix composites

Abstract

The use of metal matrix composites (MMCs) in a variety of products is significantly increasing with time due to the fact that their properties can be tailored and designed to suit specific applications. However, the future usage of MMC products is very much dependent on their beneficial aspects and hence it is critical to ensure in a robust repeatable manner the superior physical property advantages compared to conventional unreinforced monolithic metal counterparts. Although numerous routes are available for production of MMC products, each of them has their own advantages and disadvantages. This article provides an overview of advanced production routes for MMCs. The discussion also highlights challenges and presents a future prospectus for MMCs. Powder metallurgy and casting routes are still extensively used for production of MMCs. Aluminum alloys are today the most commonly used matrix materials in MMC products.Carbides (eg, SiC, TiC, and B 4 C), carbon allotropes (eg, CNTs and graphene), and alumina (Al 2 O 3) are currently the most used reinforcement materials. Nevertheless, the use of nano and of hybrid reinforcements are seeing increased usage in niche applications. Additive manufacturing (AM) is discussed as a novel production route for MMC products. This process represents a promising method for the production of MMC products.

Sensitivity analysis of mechanical properties and ductile/brittle behaviors in aluminum‐silicon alloy to loading rate and nano‐particles, considering interaction effects

“…As a conclusion on all obtained results, such a reinforcement (the addition of SiO 2 nano‐particles) for the aluminum alloy would not be applicable and beneficial. As mentioned in the literature, 45 the future application of metal‐matrix composites is related to their beneficial aspects with a robust repeatable manner and the superior physical property. Carbides such as SiC, TiC, and B4C, carbon allotropes such as carbon nano‐tubes and graphene, and also alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) are usually utilized as reinforcement materials for aluminum alloys 45 .…”

“…As mentioned in the literature, 45 the future application of metal‐matrix composites is related to their beneficial aspects with a robust repeatable manner and the superior physical property. Carbides such as SiC, TiC, and B4C, carbon allotropes such as carbon nano‐tubes and graphene, and also alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) are usually utilized as reinforcement materials for aluminum alloys 45 . Moreover, some other fabrication techniques could be used instead of casting.…”

“…As an example, Das et al 46 presented an innovative process for the dispersion of graphene nano‐particles and nickel spheres in the A356 aluminum alloy by the pressure infiltration technique. One of these methods is additive manufacturing, 45,47 which would spread in the near future, more and more.…”

Abrasive wear behavior of Al-TiB2 and Al-TiB2-nano-graphite metal matrix composites

“…Right now, aerospace industries and energy sectors are in high demand for MMCs. 1 Accordingly, various combinations of novel ceramic phases with different useful metallic alloys as base matrix are in focus to meet the demand. 2 As base matrix of MMCs, Al/Mg-based alloys are normally being favored by researchers and industries because of light-weight while having high strength-to-weight ratio and good castability.…”

“…15 In this respect, casting is the most popular in industry. 1 Additionally, stir casting offers simple, flexible and economical route of fabrication. 25 Role of stir-casting in preparation of Al-TiB 2 composites for good microstructural integrity with homogenous distribution of particulates has been reported earlier.…”