Understanding Fabrication and Properties of Magnesium Matrix Nanocomposites

Magnesium-based metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) are new class materials which can be used widely in aerospace, biomedical, electronics and automobile industries due to their low density, sustainability, good specific strength and better tribological properties. Performance of MMNCs depends on several factors, i.e., composition and combination of reinforcement, processing methods, etc. Present study tries to review available literatures to discuss about the role of those factors on mechanical properties, tribological properties and corrosion behaviors of magnesium-based MMNCs. In this study, liquid metallurgy-based primary processing methods and secondary methods are discussed in details with the help of available literatures. Roles of ultrasonic treatment, cavitation and acoustic streaming on distribution of nanoparticles are discussed in details. Strengthening mechanisms between particle and matrix metal are also presented. Effects of particles like Al2O3, SiC, WC, TiB2, CNT on mechanical, tribological and corrosion behavior are discussed. Mechanical properties (UTS, YS, microhardness, creep behavior) are mainly discussed and available literatures revealed that the presence of nanoparticles normally enhance these properties. Literature on tribological behavior yielded that nanoparticles help to enhance wear and friction behavior of Mg-MMNCs at room and elevated temperatures. Effects of tribological parameters (load, sliding speed, sliding distance) are also discussed. But researchers are split into two groups about corrosion characteristics of magnesium composites. Some researchers reported that corrosion resistance is decreased due to presence of reinforcement while others concluded that corrosion resistance is enhanced due to reinforcing particles.