A comprehensive review of aluminium matrix composite reinforcement and fabrication methodologies

Abstract Aluminium-based composites are extensively employed for high-performance applications in the automotive and aircraft industries on the basis of their superior mechanical characteristics comprising light weight, high specific strength and excellent malleability. Different metals and alloys are fabricated as composites using various combinations of materials with various fabrication methods. The current article explores a detailed overview of the methodologies, including solid, semi-solid, liquid and vapour routes, adopted by many researchers for the synthesis of reinforced aluminium-based materials. The influence of reinforcement in terms of natural resources and industrial waste considered recently is briefly discussed. Based on the literature review, research work has also focused on exploring the most economical and frequently employed synthesis methods for the fabrication of aluminium matrix composites.