A review on the effects of micro-nano particle size and volume fraction on microstructure and mechanical properties of metal matrix composites manufactured via mechanical alloying

Abstract

The major challenge for the production of the composites which are reinforced with nano and micro-sized particles is to obtain uniform distribution of reinforcement particles in microstructure. Powder metallurgy method can be used in order to obtain a homogeneous distribution of reinforcement particles. This method has three steps: 1) mixing and/or alloying of powders, 2) pressing, and 3) sintering. Mechanical alloying is a complex process which involves optimization of many parameters such as milling time, process control agent, particle size, ball to powder weight ratio, milling speed, milling atmosphere, mill types, etc. The main aim of the present study is to explain the roles of volume fraction and size of reinforcement particle on the microstructural properties and how these parameters affect the mechanical properties of aluminum based metal matrix composites with micro and nano-sized reinforcement particles produced by mechanical alloying.