Trends in Aluminium Matrix Composite Development

Chika Oliver Ujah, Daramy Vandi Von Kallon

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

45 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Research shows that monolithic Al alloy has very attractive properties required in the production of aerospace, automotive, electrical and electronic, sports and recreational components/equipment. However, its low strength and low wear resistance have challenged its applications in some other critical industrial utilities. Nonetheless, the invention of metal composites has removed such barriers. The addition of one or more reinforcements to Al has helped in the creation of aluminium matrix composites (AMCs), which has not only increased the global utilization of Al alloy, but has been a major source of global revenue and job. This review was, therefore, aimed at studying recent works on AMCs with the aim of ascertaining the recent innovations in the development of advanced Al composites, which can replace steel components in most industrial applications at a cheaper rate. It was observed from the study that AMCs can be developed via solid and liquid fabrication techniques. Powder metallurgy was reported as the most effective method of producing hybrid Al nanocomposites, with spark plasma sintering as the best technique. In the liquid process, stir casting was reported as the most cost effective, but was challenged by agglomeration. It was recommended that agglomeration be ameliorated by cryogenic ball milling and an in situ fabrication technique. It was also recommended that more cost effective agro-waste nanoparticles should be developed to replace more costly conventional reinforcements. In summary, it was recommended that more research on the exploration of Al alloy at a cheaper rate should be carried out.

Original languageEnglish
Article number1357
JournalCrystals
Volume12
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2022

Keywords

  • aluminium binary composites
  • aluminium hybrid composites
  • aluminium matrix composites
  • powder metallurgy
  • spark plasma sintering
  • stir casting

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemical Engineering
  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Inorganic Chemistry

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