Manufacturing of Hybrid Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites Reinforced with SiC and Al₂O₃ : A Review

Silicon carbide (SiC) and alumina (Al₂O₃) reinforced hybrid aluminum metal matrix composites (HAMMCs) are a remarkable development in material engineering because of improved mechanical and thermal characteristics. This review includes a detailed discussion of their production methods, liquid-state processes such as stir casting and solid-state methods such as powder metallurgy. These techniques are discussed with respect to their effects on reinforcement distribution, bonding, and overall composite properties. The potential of the hybrid reinforcement strategy to promote both properties which increase strength, hardness, wear resistance and thermal stability as well as properties which are desirable for lightweight materials needed in many industries is investigated. The issues that arise in processing HAMMC and the importance of uniform reinforcement dispersion and avoiding agglomeration and weak interface bonding are also discussed, as well as recent advancements in technologies such as ultrasonic cast aluminum alloy and frictional stir processing of LM13 aluminum alloy. These developments are intended to overcome the shortcoming in typical fabrication techniques whilst providing enhanced mechanical characteristics and low cost. Uses of HAMMCs have been found in aerospace, automotive, and biomedical fields where the parts need to be light, strong, durable, and withstand wear and tear for use in structural elements or prosthetic limbs, respectively. The review also explores the fabrication and characterization methodologies to assess the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of HAMMCs including tensile tests, hardness test and wear test. Last but not the least, the document discusses future research directions that are more related to use of environmentally friendly reinforcements, modern techniques of manufacturing and sustainability. The escalating demand for high performance and light weight products makes HAMMCs suitable to meet the new challenges in engineering.