Microstructure Evoluvation of Aluminium Alloys using Friction Stir Welding

Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites (AMMCs) are a range of advanced engineering materials that can be used for a wide range of applications within the aerospace, automotive, biotechnology, electronic and sporting goods industries. AMMCs consist of a non-metallic reinforcement (SiC, B4C, Si3N4, AlN, TiC, TiB2, TiO2) incorporated into Aluminium matrix which provides advantageous properties over base metal (Aluminium) alloys. These include improved abrasion resistance, creep resistance, dimensional stability, exceptionally good stiffness-to-weight and strength-to-weight ratios and better high temperature performance. Fabrication of these advanced engineering materials through liquid state and solid state routes are considered in this paper. This paper attempts to review the different combination of reinforcing materials used in the processing of Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites (AMMCs) and how it affects the mechanical properties of the materials. The major techniques for fabricating these materials are briefly discussed and research areas for further improvement on aluminium composites are suggested