Aluminum AA6061 alloy composites are known for their improved functionality and mate-rial properties in comparison to the basic alloy. The present study reviews the AA-6061 metal matrix composite (MMC) manufacturing process and characterization using the con-ventional stir casting method. The most typical reinforcements used in the production of AA6061 metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNC) are oxides (Al2O3, TiO2, SiO2, ZrO2 and ZnO), nitrides (TiN, BN, Si3N4), carbides (B4C, SiC, TiC, TiB2, Nb2Sn, Si2N4), carbon nano-tubes (CNTs), Graphene Nano-Platelets (GNPs). Hybrid composites, consisting of two or more reinforcements, have been reported to exhibit relatively superior properties than sin-gle-component composites; however, other suitable reinforcements, such as hybrid, inorgan-ic, nanomaterials, and organic reinforcements, are also being explored in current trends. There is a huge scope for research on AA6061 nanocomposites that have much higher strength and wear resistance, making them useful for aerospace and defense applications. Overall, this study highlights the importance of manufacturing and characterizing AA6061 composites and suggests potential areas for future research and development in this field.

Published in Evergreen, Volume 12, Issue 02. Citation formats available via DOI link.