A comparative review of Mg/CNTs and Al/CNTs composite to explore the prospect of bimetallic Mg–Al/CNTs composites

Lightweight materials characterized by low density, high strength to weight ratio, low porosity, high corrosion resistance with improved mechanical, thermal, electrical properties are now extensively used in many engineering applications ranging from the deep sea to aerospace. Besides, the materials must be multifunctional comprises a fast and economic manufacturing technique. Metallic matrix CNTs composites such as Mg/CNTs and Al/CNTs have such the aforementioned quality. However, Mg/CNTs and Al/CNTs has some specific advantages and disadvantages that restrict their applicability. To harvest the dual benefit of Mg/CNTs and Al/CNTs, bimetallic matrix Mg–Al/CNTs may be prospected. Mg–Al bimetallic combination for alloying has substantial mechanical properties with heavy amalgamation. Therefore, interdisciplinary research on reinforcement, compacting, bonding, dispersion of CNTs in the bimetallic matrix, microstructure and defect analysis will open the door for producing new class of composite materials. In this work, various Mg/CNTs, Al/CNTs, Mg–Al composites have been studied to find the prospect of Mg– Al/CNTs composites. The worthwhile accomplishment of the reviews will provide the knowledge of fabrication for CNTs reinforced bimetallic Mg–Al based lightweight composites and understand its mechanical behaviors.