Review on the Influence of Different Reinforcements on the Microstructure and Wear Behavior of Functionally Graded Aluminum Matrix Composites by Centrifugal Casting

The main objective of the present paper is to draw the attention of researchers towards the wear analysis of functionally graded aluminum matrix composites (FGAMCs) reinforced with different types of particles. The quality of the products and characteristics achieved by the functionally graded materials (FGMs) has been given increasing attention during recent decades. FGMs provide a way to obtain gradients between two phases with variations of properties. The centrifuge casting process was used to produce continuous variation of graded materials. These continuous graded materials offer high strength and enhanced wear resistances compared with traditional composite materials. This paper summarizes the effect of the various reinforcement materials and wear test parameters on microstructure as well as wear properties in the FGAMCs obtained through the centrifugal casting technique. The results found in the reviewed literature are classified according to types of reinforcement particles (such as silicon carbide, alumina and boron carbide) and the influence of wear test parameters (such as applied load, sliding distance, duration and sliding speed) on FGM composites. The main conclusions in this paper are derived from previous studies on experimental investigations on the wear characteristics of FGAMCs. The research gaps and future directions have been discussed which will be prolific to the researchers in the design and manufacture of FGMs production by centrifugal casting.