Ultrasonic cavitation: An approach to synthesize uniformly dispersed metal matrix nanocomposites—A review

Abstract

Metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) have become noticeable as a significant class of materials for structural applications exclusively in the automobile and aerospace sectors. The growth of cost effective mass production technique of MMNCs with essential operational and geometrical flexibilities is still a great challenge. Innovative synthesis process for uniform dispersion of nanoparticles in metal matrix has sparked considerable interest among the material scientists all over the globe. In the last two decades, a trend has been established in this direction to synthesize oxide and novel carbide based nanocomposites. In this process, a lot of emphasis is given in recent times to increase the physical and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. The physical and mechanical properties of oxide or carbide based nanocomposites completely depend upon the fabrication technique and on the dispersion of nanoparticles in the metal matrix. Even though a lot of synthesis techniques have been adopted from solid state mixing to powder metallurgy route; it is not possible to achieve uniform dispersion of nanoparticles throughout the matrix. In the present review, we have emphasized the basic consideration for the synthesis of metal matrix nanocomposites and the advantages & disadvantages of various techniques. A new instrumentation technique i.e., ultrasonic cavitation based processing is found to be the most promising method for manufacturing of MMNCs with almost uniform distribution of nanoparticles. Alumina dispersed aluminium nanocomposites can be fabricated without any segregation by ultrasonic cavitation based processing which has been explained extensively. In addition to this, the structural and mechanical properties of alumina dispersed aluminium metal matrix composites synthesized by ultrasonic cavitation technique have been discussed.