A brief introduction to Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites

The demand of composites is significantly increased in the 21st century which resulted in evolution of modern industries. The conventional monolithic metals and alloys in most of the applications are being replaced with the metal matrix composites (MMCs). The need of MMCs has been essential for the enhancement of properties or reduction of the cost of the manufacturing. In this era of light weight and high strength materials, the MMCs which are currently being used rapidly are Aluminummetal matrix composites (AMCs). The AMCs are not only successful in increasing the properties but also in reducing the cost of manufacturing sometime. The properties for which AMCs are found suitable for various applications are high specific strength, wear resistance, controlled coefficient of thermal expansion, corrosion resistance, good hardness, Ballistic resistance, and neutron absorbing capability with respect tomonolithic metal. In some AMCs these properties can even be maintained at elevated temperatures. This paper represents an overview of AMCs, their applications, strengthening mechanisms and processing techniques used to fabricate AMCs.