Effect of micro filler reinforcement on mechanical and wear characteristics of metal matrix composites: A review

Abstract

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are the new age materials which are a combination of metal and hard particles usually ceramics. These composites can be employed in wide range of applications due to its superior properties with respect to base metal. In metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforcement plays an important role in improving the properties such as higher specific strength, high thermal conductivity, good wear and corrosion resistance. In conventional metals, combination of these properties may not be obtained. Due to these properties, application of composites has increased over time. Most common ceramics which are used widely as reinforcement materials are SiC, B4C, Al2O3, whereas the commonly used matrices are Al, Ti, Mg alloys. Properties of the composites are governed by the properties of the constituent phases, its relative content, dispersed phase geometry and also the size, shape and orientation of the particle in the matrix. Selection of the materials as reinforcements depends upon the properties required in the MMCs as per their applications. Present paper reviews the effect of micro filler reinforced MMCs with respect to their mechanical and wear characteristics.