Production techniques and properties of particulate reinforce metal matrix composites: a review
The production techniques intended for synthesizing the metal matrix composites (MMCs) with particle-sized reinforcements are summarized and also the influence of reinforcement particles on various properties of MMCs is discussed. Stir casting is one of the largely used production practice for such MMCs as it is economical but there is some compromise with quality of composite due to agglomeration of reinforcement particles within the matrix phase. Such problem does not occur when MMCs are fabricated using ultrasonic stir casting process, squeeze casting and powder metallurgy technique. Tensile strength and hardness of MMCs were improved by 9 to 110 % and by 5 to 120 %, respectively, by adding reinforcement (0.5% to 30%). Wear rate and corrosion rate were decreased from 5.5 to 3.7 mm3/km and 0.0396 to 0.0178 mm/yr, respectively. But some properties like ductility, % elongation, toughness and impact strength of the composite are compromised due to the brittle nature of the reinforcement.