Particulate Mollusc Shells as Reinforcements for Aluminium Matrix Composites: A Review

Abstract

In recent times, the global need for high-performance, affordable and topnotch materials has necessitated a shift in research from unreinforced to composite materials. Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are relatively novel and highly promising materials that continually attract researchers' attention. They are constantly being developed, and their applications in various industries are on the increase. Aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) are the most commonly studied MMCs because of their many desirable properties, especially high strength and lightweight. These properties make them find extended use commercially. Also, AMCs can be manufactured via cost-effective and straightforward methods. However, the conventional ceramic reinforcements commonly used to reinforce aluminium matrix pose high costs and limited availability. This has triggered other renewable and cheap materials such as agro and industrial wastes as alternatives for reinforcing aluminium alloys. This work attempts to review some particulate mollusc shells that have been used as reinforcements for the fabrication of AMCs. The processes used for the fabrication of AMCs are briefly discussed. Finally, further research for the improvement of AMCs is suggested.