Synthesis and characterisation of magnesium-based nano-composite – A review

Abstract

In the recent decades, the need for light weight and high specific strength has been the hot issue in many engineering field and also biomedical sectors. Magnesium and its alloys are considered as a light weight material due to its low density that can replaced aluminium, steel and titanium. However, at room temperature, magnesium alloys have closely packed hexagonal crystalline structure with restricted number of freely actuated independent slip system that suffers from poor ductility by 5%–8% approximately. Therefore, Magnesium alloy creates some challenges for the application of many industrial sectors. One technique that can improve strength properties without significant reduction of ductility is to add reinforcing nanoparticles within the magnesium matrix and making them an attractive choice for light weight structural application. The performance of magnesium matrix-based composites to a current stage depends upon the proper selection of composition and combination of reinforcement particles within the matrix materials. In light of the writing overview, the inclusion of reinforcing particles, for example, TiC, SiC, B4C, Al2O3, hybrid reinforcement and so forth is the way to betterment of the tribological behaviour and the mechanical properties of magnesium matrix composites. This paper presents a brief overview based on the available literature survey that the effect of different geometries and percentage contribution of reinforcement particles in various processing techniques on the mechanical properties, microstructure and wear behaviour of magnesium-based metal composites.