Al/SiCNP and Al/SiCNP/X nanocomposites fabrication and properties: A review

Global requirement for minimum cost, high efficiency, and good grade materials has made a diversion in research from base alloys to composite materials, since the last five decades. In the case of metal matrix composites, aluminium metal matrix composites have been certified and steadily advanced due to properties such as high strength, low density, and high wear resistance. They are widely used in automobile industry, aircraft industry, structural applications, and many other defence systems. Researchers have observed that the addition of nano-size SiCNP reinforcements to aluminium-based matrix yields superior properties and good bonding characteristics between matrix and reinforcements of nanocomposites. Along with silicon carbide particulate primary nano-reinforcements, researchers studied the properties of aluminium metal matrix nanocomposites with the addition of secondary reinforcements. These hybrid nanocomposites exhibited improved wear resistance. This article reviews the fabrication methods, mechanical properties, and tribological properties of aluminium-based hybrid metal matrix nanocomposites.