Shape Memory Alloy-Reinforced Metal-Matrix Composites: A Review

Metal-matrix composites reinforced with shape memory alloys (SMA, including long fiber, short fiber, and particle) are intelligent materials with many special physical and mechanical properties, such as high damping property, high tensile strength, and fatigue resistance. In this review article, the fabrication method, microstructure, interface reaction, modeling, and physical and mechanical properties of the composites are addressed. Particular emphasis has been given to (a) fabrication and microstructure of aluminum matrix composites reinforced with SMAs, and (b) shape memory effect on the physical and mechanical properties of the composites. While the bulk of the information is related to aluminum matrix composites, important results are now available for other metal-matrix composites.