Effect of light weight reinforcement and heat treatment process parameters on morphological and wear aspects of hypoeutectic Al-Si based composites - a critical review

Even though the importance of composites as engineering materials is identified in the last century, the actual research hunt started completely in the recent years. These materials replace conventional alloys in the wear related applications, especially in the corrosive and change in climate conditions. The objective of the present work is to collect morphological and wear analysis data on the aluminium matrix composites with different light weight reinforcements and dig on the possibilities for property enhancement through heat treatment. Aluminium composites with matrices like, Al–Si–Mg, Al–Cu and Al–Zn–Mg and light weight moderate high temperature wear resistance reinforcements find increased applications in space, automotive, marine transportation. This is mostly due to enhanced tensile and wear properties with enhanced atmospheric corrosion resistance. In the present consequence, a review of various researchers in the field of processing method, type of reinforcements to escalate existing properties, mechanical and wear behaviour of aluminium composites reinforced with variety of natural and artificial materials like fly ash, carbide, nitrides etc. are considered. Even, the importance and benefits of adding light weight reinforcement and the role of hybridization is focused. The property data obtained by the alteration of matrix, reinforcement and processing techniques are presented in the form of tables to help the user as readymade manual for quick decision making.