Synthesis, microstructural and mechanical properties of ex situ zircon particles (ZrSiO4) reinforced Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs): a review

Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) are playing an increasingly important role in engineering applications and are in the forefront of significant research today because of their scientific and technological advantages. Particle or discontinuously reinforced MMCs are relatively inexpensive and are found to possess isotropic properties compared to fiber reinforced MMCs. Among the various types of particulate reinforcements such as boron, silicon nitride, boron nitride, silicon carbide, titanium carbide and alumina, extensive research has been directed toward the development of zircon particle reinforcement. Zircon reinforced composites are preferred as these composites exhibit relatively high refractoriness, excellent resistance to abrasion, thermal shock and chemical attack compared to composites reinforced with many other reinforcements.This review article details the current development on the synthesis, microstructure and mechanical properties of zircon reinforced MMCs, with specific attention on the abrasive wear behavior of the composites. This review also summarizes the work done by various research groups on zircon reinforced MMCs in achieving higher hardness and wear resistance in these composites.