Aluminium hybrid composites: A review of reinforcement materials and reinforcement philosophies

Abstract

Aluminium hybrid composite reinforcement technology is a response to the demands of advanced engineering materials. The motive behind the use of aluminium hybrid components in the transport, agriculture and mining sectors is based on the requirement for weight reduction and in pursuit of high efficiency and performance at a reduced cost. The performance of these materials is largely dependent on selecting the right combination of reinforcing materials, since most of the physical, chemical, mechanical properties and processing parameters such as particle size, weight percent of reinforcement and fabrication method were largely associated with the reinforcement. This paper attempts to review the different materials that have been used as reinforcements and the reinforcement philosophy adopted by several researchers with a view to establishing the effects of the reinforcement materials on micro structural, mechanical and tribological properties of hybrid composites. The processing methodology and its effects on aluminium hybrid composites have also been reviewed with a view to suggesting the best applications of aluminium hybrid composites.