Metal Matrix Composite Developed with Marine Grades: A Review

Abstract

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are now one of the most significant groups of modern engineering materials as a result of the increased attention they have received in recent years. MMCs have recently been manufactured using a variety of technical specifications and techniques, with properties such as the ability to withstand thermal stability at the lowest possible cost, reduced weight and density, increased strength and toughness, and improved wear resistance. It is crucial to homogenize the distribution of the reinforcing phase during composite processing in order to generate particulate or fibrous solid microstructures, depending on the form of the reinforcing phase of the composite. This implies that new procedures must be employed to enhance the mechanical and microstructural properties of metal products. One of the answers to the above challenges is friction stir processing (FSP). FSP improves the surface quality, ductility, formability, strength, hardness, and fatigue life of metal alloys without altering the properties of metals in bulk. This study aims to review MMCs suitable for FSP-designed marine structures and identify knowledge gaps. According to the literature, MMCs are advanced materials capable of exhibiting microstructure, increased hardness, strength, excellent damping, wear, and reduced thermal expansion, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. Although FSP is recognized as a new secondary processing approach to enhance the microstructure and properties of MMCs, few studies have reported the production of MMCs suitable for marine applications. Therefore, this opens a large gap that needs to be filled and requires further investigation of MMCs development.