This review summarises the research work carried out in the field of carbon nanotube (CNT) metal matrix composites (MMCs). Much research has been undertaken in utilising CNTs as reinforcement for composite material. However, CNT-reinforced MMCs have received the least attention. These composites are being projected for use in structural applications for their high specific strength as well as functional materials for their exciting thermal and electrical characteristics. The present review focuses on the critical issues of CNT-reinforced MMCs that include processing techniques, nanotube dispersion, interface, strengthening mechanisms and mechanical properties. Processing techniques used for synthesis of the composites have been critically reviewed with an objective to achieve homogeneous distribution of carbon nanotubes in the matrix. The mechanical property improvements achieved by addition of CNTs in various metal matrix systems are summarised. The factors determining strengthening achieved by CNT reinforcement are elucidated as are the structural and chemical stability of CNTs in different metal matrixes and the importance of the CNT/metal interface has been reviewed. The importance of CNT dispersion and its quantification is highlighted. Carbon nanotube reinforced MMCs as functional materials are summarised. Future work that needs attention is addressed.

Carbon nanotube reinforced metal matrix composites - a review

One-dimensional carbon nanotubes and two-dimensional graphene nanosheets with unique electrical, mechanical and thermal properties are attractive reinforcements for fabricating light weight, high strength and high performance metal-matrix composites. Rapid advances of nanotechnology in recent years enable the development of advanced metal matrix nanocomposites for structural engineering and functional device applications. This review focuses on the recent development in the synthesis, property characterization and application of aluminum, magnesium, and transition metal-based composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes and graphene nanosheets. These include processing strategies of carbonaceous nanomaterials and their composites, mechanical and tribological responses, corrosion, electrical and thermal properties as well as hydrogen storage and electrocatalytic behaviors. The effects of nanomaterial dispersion in the metal matrix and the formation of interfacial precipitates on these properties are also addressed. Particular attention is paid to the fundamentals and the structure–property relationships of such novel nanocomposites.

Recent progress in the development and properties of novel metal matrix nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nanotubes and graphene nanosheets

Metal matrix composites reinforced by nano-particles are very promising materials, suitable for a large number of applications. These composites consist of a metal matrix filled with nano-particles featuring physical and mechanical properties very different from those of the matrix. The nano-particles can improve the base material in terms of wear resistance, damping properties and mechanical strength. Different kinds of metals, predominantly Al, Mg and Cu, have been employed for the production of composites reinforced by nano-ceramic particles such as carbides, nitrides, oxides as well as carbon nanotubes. The main issue of concern for the synthesis of these materials consists in the low wettability of the reinforcement phase by the molten metal, which does not allow the synthesis by conventional casting methods. Several alternative routes have been presented in literature for the production of nano-composites. This work is aimed at reviewing the most important manufacturing techniques used for the synthesis of bulk metal matrix nanocomposites. Moreover, the strengthening mechanisms responsible for the improvement of mechanical properties of nano-reinforced metal matrix composites have been reviewed and the main potential applications of this new class of materials are envisaged.

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Metal Matrix Composites Reinforced by Nano-Particles—A Review

Rapid innovation in nanotechnology in recent years enabled development of advanced metal matrix nanocomposites for structural engineering and functional devices. Carbonous materials, such as graphite, carbon nanotubes (CNT's), and graphene possess unique electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Owe to their lubricious nature, these carbonous materials have attracted researchers to synthesize lightweight self-lubricating metal matrix nanocomposites with superior mechanical and tribological properties for several applications in automotive and aerospace industries. This review focuses on the recent development in mechanical and tribological behavior of self-lubricating metallic nanocomposites reinforced by carbonous nanomaterials such as CNT and graphene. The review includes development of self-lubricating nanocomposites, related issues in their processing, their characterization, and investigation of their tribological behavior. The results reveal that adding CNT and graphene to metals decreases both coefficient of friction and wear rate as well as increases the tensile strength. The mechanisms involved for the improved mechanical and tribological behavior is discussed.

Mechanical and tribological properties of self-lubricating metal matrix nanocomposites reinforced by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene – A review

Microstructurally inhomogeneous composites: Is a homogeneous reinforcement distribution optimal?

The properties and microstructure of hybrid composites reinforced with WO3 particles and Al18B4O33 whiskers by squeeze casting

Fabrication of in situ Ti5Si3/TiAl composites with controlled quasi-network architecture using reactive infiltration

Hot tensile characterization of Ti–6.5Al–3.5Mo–1.5Zr–0.3Si alloy with an equiaxed microstructure

A microstructure-based comprehensive finite element model, which incorporated the deformation/fracture of the matrix alloy, fracture of the particle and decohesion of interface, was built to predic...

Plastic deformation and fracture behaviors in particle-reinforced aluminum composites: A numerical approach using an enhanced finite element model:

Recent works verified that network reinforcement design enhanced the modulus and strength of discontinuously reinforced metal–matrix composites (MMCs). The particle size ratio (PSR), i.e., the rati...

A.B. Li

Papers

The properties and microstructure of hybrid composites reinforced with WO3 particles and Al18B4O33 whiskers by squeeze casting

Fabrication of in situ Ti5Si3/TiAl composites with controlled quasi-network architecture using reactive infiltration

Hot tensile characterization of Ti–6.5Al–3.5Mo–1.5Zr–0.3Si alloy with an equiaxed microstructure

Plastic deformation and fracture behaviors in particle-reinforced aluminum composites: A numerical approach using an enhanced finite element model:

Numerical Study on Mechanical Properties of Quasi-Continuous SiCp/Al Network Composites with Various Particle Size Ratios (PSRs)