Evaluating promising applications of a new nanomaterial produced by accumulative roll bonding process: A preliminary multiple criteria decision-making approach

Although many new materials are developed in laboratories, most of them do not get commercialized. The ranking of applications gives material engineers a better understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of any new or improved material under development. This is possible through simultaneously considering different technical, economic, and environmental criteria. It also helps to guide future research on developing new materials and identify the requirements that any new material must fulfill for the most fitting applications. The appropriateness of the proposed approach for evaluating promising applications of a new material is demonstrated using a case study in nanostructured Al/Al₂O₃ metal matrix composite produced via the accumulative roll bonding process. Al/Al₂O₃ metal matrix composite provides superior mechanical and physical properties and accumulative roll bonding is a severe plastic deformation process that can be applied to the continuous production of bulky sheet materials. The material is in growing use and becoming indispensable in several key industrial sectors such as aerospace, automobile, marine, and defense, and the enhanced properties created by accumulative roll bonding will only increase its potential. The innovative approach described in this paper will be of interest to academic researchers and practitioners involved in new materials, processing, and product development.