Magnesium-Based Composites for Sustainable Lightweight Automotive Components

Abstract

The growing demand for fuel-efficient and environmentally sustainable transportation has accelerated the development of lightweight engineering materials for automotive and aerospace applications. Magnesium, being the lightest structural metal, offers significant advantages such as low density, high specific strength, excellent machinability, good damping capacity, and superior castability. However, its relatively low strength, poor wear resistance, limited creep resistance, and susceptibility to corrosion restrict its widespread structural applications. To overcome these limitations, magnesium-based metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with ceramic and metallic particles have emerged as promising lightweight materials with enhanced mechanical and tribological properties. This review presents a comprehensive overview of magnesium and magnesium-based composites, highlighting their physical and mechanical characteristics, industrial applications, and the role of reinforcement materials in improving performance. The paper discusses the fundamental aspects of MMCs, including classification, constituent materials, reinforcement types, and factors affecting composite properties. Particular emphasis is placed on the selection of magnesium as a matrix material and the influence of reinforcements such as silicon carbide, boron carbide, alumina, titanium carbide, and carbon nanotubes on strength, stiffness, wear resistance, and thermal stability. The review also summarises the applications of magnesium composites in automotive, aerospace, and electronic industries, where weight reduction and enhanced performance are of critical importance. Based on the available literature, magnesium-based MMCs demonstrate considerable potential for replacing conventional materials in lightweight structural components. Future developments in processing techniques, reinforcement distribution, and interface engineering are expected to further enhance their mechanical performance, durability, and commercial viability, making these composites attractive materials for next-generation engineering applications.