Metal matrix nanocomposite coatings for improving the usage properties of metallic materials

The use of metal matrix nanocomposite is at the present time not as widespread as for their polymer-based counterparts. Yet, the addition of nanoparticles in a metallic matrix also allows to significantly improve its usage properties, thus opening new and interesting prospects in terms of applications. This presentation aims at providing a broad overview of the various usage properties that can be enhanced by the addition of nanoparticles as illustrated by a number of examples taken from the scientific literature as well as from the researches carried out by the Metallic Materials Science Unit at the University of Liege.