Understanding and designing metal matrix nanocomposites with high electrical conductivity: a review

Metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) are gaining more and more interest because matrices and nanophases with heterogeneous characteristics could combine to provide unprecedented properties. Given the high concentration of free electrons in metallic systems, electrical conductivity is one of the most crucial design criteria in selecting suitable MMNCs. However, due to the intrinsic complexity of MMNC systems (e.g., changed interfacial characteristics), reliable and accurate determination of electrical conductivity in MMNCs faces a considerable challenge. Notably, there lacks fundamental guidance with suitable theories and models for MMNCs' electrical conductivity. To address these issues and provide a clear understanding of electrical properties in MMNCs, this review intends to provide a comprehensive angle to explain, design, and analyze their electrical properties, electronic features, and electron behavior after their 20-year prosperous development. First, the review connects theories, effects of various engineering factors, and electrical conductivity data in the representative systems to provide an omni-spectrum insight into MMNCs' electrical performance. Following this discussion, the generic trend of electrical conductivity in MMNCs has been clarified for the first time, and the future focus and directions of MMNCs' electrical behavior study have been proposed. Generally speaking, this review will mitigate the current inconsistencies in MMNCs' electrical conductivity research and help open up new chances of achieving and extending electrical and other essential functional applications with MMNCs. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the electrical properties of metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs), addressing the challenges in accurately determining their electrical conductivity. It clarifies the generic trend of electrical conductivity in MMNCs and proposes future directions for studying their electrical behavior.