Novel Nanoparticle‐Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites with Enhanced Mechanical Properties

TLDR

Nanoparticle‑reinforced metal matrix composites typically use aluminum or magnesium matrices, but ex‑situ ceramic nanoparticles tend to cluster during processing, reducing material properties below theoretical values. This paper reviews state‑of‑the‑art processing methods, structures, and mechanical properties of ceramic‑nanoparticle‑reinforced metal matrix composites. Processing approaches are divided into ex‑situ and in‑situ synthesis routes, and appropriate techniques can improve nanoparticle dispersion in the metal matrix. Ex‑situ nanocomposites with low nanoparticle loadings show higher yield strength and creep resistance than microcomposites, and adding ceramic nanoparticles to aluminum or magnesium readily improves strength, ductility, and similar benefits are seen with in‑situ nanoparticles.

Abstract

Abstract This paper summarizes and reviews the state‐of‐the‐art processing methods, structures and mechanical properties of the metal matrix composites reinforced with ceramic nanoparticles. The metal matrices of nanocomposites involved include aluminum and magnesium. The processing approaches for nanocomposites can be classified into ex‐situ and in‐situ synthesis routes. The ex‐situ ceramic nanoparticles are prone to cluster during composite processing and the properties of materials are lower than the theoretical values. Despite the fact of clustering, ex‐situ nanocomposites reinforced with very low loading levels of nanoparticles exhibit higher yield strength and creep resistance than their microcomposite counterparts filled with much higher particulate content. Better dispersion of ceramic nanoparticles in metal matrix can be achieved by using appropriate processing techniques. Consequently, improvements in both the mechanical strength and ductility can be obtained readily in aluminum or magnesium by adding ceramic nanoparticles. Similar beneficial enhancements in mechanical properties are observed for the nanocomposites reinforced with in‐situ nanoparticles.