Metallic composites with low density are attractive for aerospace, automotive and optical industries. Magnesium alloy-based composites reinforced with particles are relatively easy machinable.
Particles, e.g. SiC or metallic, increase the yield stress, elastic moduli, hardness, damping and thermal stability.
However, ductility of composites is usually lower than that of matrix. On the other hand, nanoparticles cause an excellent combination of strength and ductility.