Corrosion Behaviour of Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites (AMMCs) in Marine/Seawater Environments: A Review

Abstract

Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites (AMMCs) are becoming popular materials for marine, aerospace, and offshore structures. This is because they are known to be strong for their weight, have better tribological performance, and are thermally stable. Despite these properties, corrosion problems still hinder their long-term effectiveness in marine environments. This review describes the corrosion of AMMCs in seawater, under exposure to salt spray, and during various electrochemical tests. Also, the review examines how different types of ceramic reinforcements (SiC, Al2O3, B4C), their volume fraction, the ways and manner of production, and the properties of the interfaces between the matrix and the reinforcement affect corrosion mechanisms. Galvanic interactions, microstructural heterogeneities, and how defects in the manufacturing process can speed up degradation are given close review. This also discusses the limitations of current testing methods. HIGHLIGHTS Corrosion behaviour of AMMCs in marine/seawater environments was examined Performance of singly and hybrid reinforced composites in a marine environment was discussed. Strategies for the enhancement of AMMCs corrosion resistance were highlighted GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT