Study on Fabrication of Magnesium based Metal Matrix Composites and its improvement in Mechanical and Tribological Properties- A Review

Abstract

The present study, based on the literature review, reinforcing material, processing route, mechanical and tribological properties of Mg based metal matrix composites containing single and multiple reinforcement. Magnesium composites are new class metal matrix composites widely used in aerospace and automobile industries due to their low density, good mechanical properties, better corrosion and wear resistance, low thermal coefficient of expansion as compared to conventional metals and alloys. The performance of composites depends upon the right combination and composition of reinforcement material with the matrix material. This paper presents few of the available literature review the combination of reinforcement material with magnesium matrix metal. Magnesium metal matrix composites with reinforcement(s) and filler materials are finding increased applications because of improved mechanical and tribological properties. Addition of reinforcing materials such as Al₂O₃, SiC, B₄C, metallic glass, etc., is one of the ways to enhance various mechanical and tribological properties of Mg based MMCs. When graphite is added composites decrease in tensile and hardness was observed whereas with graphite addition specific wear rate decreases. Waste materials may used as reinforcement such as fly ash, rice husk ash, etc. for low cost reinforcement which may results in better mechanical and wear properties.