A review of metal-based smart composites integrating shape memory alloys: from microstructural design to multifunctional performance

Abstract

Shape memory alloys were an advanced functional material integrating temperature/stress sensing and intelligent driving on the basis of shape memory effect and superelasticity. Shape memory alloys can be combined with other materials, forming the smart composites, which have been widely used for multi-functional and smart composite materials in industry. Compared to the conventional metal matrix composites, metal matrix composites reinforced by shape memory alloys or the shape memory alloys-based composites not only possess the better mechanical properties, but also show a certain functional performance, ultimately integrating the structural and functional properties. Through the design of the macroscopic/microscopic structure of metal based smart composite integrating shape memory alloys, it is possible not only to achieve significant improvements in their mechanical properties such as high strength, high hardness, and high wear resistance, but also to endow them with functional properties including larger recoverable strain, higher damping characteristics, higher electrical conductivity, and excellent biocompatibility. In the present paper, the research progress of the metal matrix composites reinforced by multi-type configuration of shape memory alloys including thin films, shorter fibers or particles etc. as well as the shape memory alloy composites enhanced by reinforcements were reviewed and summarized, mainly consisting of the types of matrix and reinforcements, the preparation method, microstructural features, interfacial reaction, physical and mechanical/functional properties. Finally, the potential applications and the future development direction of metals based smart composites containing shape memory alloys are summarized and prospected.