A review on mechanical and tribological properties of aluminium-based metal matrix nanocomposites

Abstract

This paper provides a brief overview on the mechanical and tribological properties of aluminiumbased composites reinforced with various nanoparticles. The amount of reinforcement was, most often, up to 5 % (vol. or wt.). Based on the reviewed results, it can be observed that by increasing the amount of reinforcement, properties such as hardness and density increase significantly. Tribological tests were performed mostly on pin-on-disc tribometers under dry sliding conditions. Composites reinforced with ceramic nanoparticles such as Al2O3, SiC, TiC, TiO2 and TiB2 showed a higher wear resistance than their matrix alloys. The microstructure of the nanocomposites and morphology of the worn surfaces were in most cases studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).