Mechanical and tribological properties of nanoceramic reinforced aluminium-based nanocomposites for engineering applications, challenges and recommendations for future improvement: A review

Aluminium (Al) and Al-based alloys known as lightweight, good corrosion resistance, and low-cost materials are found used for a range of engineering applications including those in automobile, aircraft, power systems, marine, defence, and among others. Although, notwithstanding these intrinsic features of Al and its alloys, their wide application is constrained due to certain properties, for example, dendrite separation, intense wear rate over a period, and mechanical degradation under severe impact and harsh environment. Nonetheless, as studies established that nanocomposites depict a promising solution to overcome the limitations of Al, Al-based alloy and their micro composites. The current review aims to discuss the influence of nanoceramic fillers on the mechanical and tribological characteristics of Al and Al alloy-based composites prepared via melting and powder metallurgy routes. With the available literature, the mechanical and wear resistance properties of Al and Al alloys matrix were observed to be improved by different nanoceramic fillers addition. Though, their mechanical behaviour at a certain point undergoes degradation due to particles agglomeration and porosity. Again, issues like brittleness reportedly affect the superior properties' improvement of Al-based nanocomposites. Thus, as particles agglomeration, porosity, and brittleness are the main drawbacks associated with the development and characterization of Al-based nanocomposites, the authors concluded the study with challenges and recommendations for future improvement. Hence, the study will pave the way for future research opportunities and sustainable development of Al nanocomposites.