Metal Matrix Composites: Corrosion

Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) are important materials usually designed for applications where the mechanical performances are the most important technical requirements. Nowadays, the applications of MMCs are not only limited to automotive and aerospace industries, but they are also widespread into other industries. In this respect, it becomes important to take into account also the corrosion resistance behavior of MMCs, in relation to different factors, such as metal matrix composition and microstructure, particles composition, size and dispersion, environment where MMCs are used, etc.. The present paper is a comprehensive literature review on the corrosion mechanisms and the methods used to prevent corrosion for the most important types of MMCs. In this paper different metal matrices are considered, by taking into account generally active ones (Mg), those with amphoteric characteristics (Al, Zn), noble metal matrices with film-forming corrosion products (Cu), and those that form passivation layers affected by chlorides (steel, Ni), and finally metal matrices with stable passivity (Ti).