Fabrication of aluminium MMCs & associated difficulties – A review

Aluminium metal matrix composites are the materials of choice in every sector including aerospace, automobile, marine, military, etc. This is due to the flexibility of the fabrication methods and matrix materials to allow for the use of different types and size of reinforcement particles. The choice can be made as per the characteristic of the composite desirable for the application. This paper reviews some investigations reported in the field of composite fabrication by different methods and the modifications adopted in the existing methods for reducing the defects in the fabricated composites. The paper also discusses the problems encountered in the fabrication of composites and the limitations of existing methods for their suitability in commercial use. Few areas of research in the field of composites that are still not explored are also detailed which need significant attention before the use of composites in full swing as a replacement of aluminium and its alloys.