A review of tribo-mechanical characteristics of nickel and aluminum-based metal matrix composites

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are extensively used materials for adverse operating conditions, where the good properties of one material cannot cope with the operating conditions. Most studies showed the matrix as metallic, and the reinforcements could be metal, polymers, ceramics, or even hybrids. Now-a-days, MMCs are widely adopted for the fabrication of many components like vehicle bodies, aeroplane bodies, machines, weapons, etc. These components encounter frictional resistance from several sources. To assess and select a suitable material for the fabrication of these components, the tribological characteristics of these materials need to be analyzed. These components also need to withstand severe stresses from numerous sources, like impact loads, thermal stresses, etc., so mechanical properties are also important. The principal objective of this paper is to provide a detailed description of the tribological and mechanical characteristics of MMCs with different combinations of matrices and reinforcements. This study aims to explore the tribological and mechanical properties of Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs), realizing various matrix and reinforcement combinations. It highlights that MMCs are crucial for applications requiring resistance to friction, stress, and impact, necessitating analysis of both tribological and mechanical characteristics for material selection.