Review on CNT Reinforced A357 nanocomposite

Carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced aluminum matrix nanocomposites have emerged as promising lightweight materials because of their superior mechanical and tribological properties. The reviewed studies show that MWCNT addition improves tensile strength, hardness, wear resistance, and microstructural refinement through grain refinement, load transfer, Orowan strengthening, and thermal mismatch strengthening. Among the available fabrication methods, stir casting is the most economical and industrially viable technique for producing aluminum nanocomposites. The literature indicates that composite performance largely depends on CNT dispersion, interfacial bonding, reinforcement content, and processing parameters. Although extensive research has been conducted on AA7075 and other aluminum alloys, studies on A357-MWCNT nanocomposites fabricated by stir casting remain limited. Challenges such as CNT agglomeration, poor wettability, and porosity continue to hinder their full potential. Future research should focus on optimizing stir casting parameters, improving CNT dispersion, employing advanced characterization techniques, and investigating fatigue, corrosion, and thermal properties. Overall, A357-MWCNT nanocomposites produced by stir casting offer significant potential for lightweight aerospace, automotive, and engineering applications, making them a promising area for future research and industrial development.

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