The demand for lightweight, high-performance and sustainable materials has increased interest in aluminium-based metal matrix composites (MMCs). Mean while with various available alloys, AA 6061 aluminium alloy is widely used as a matrix material due to its good strength, corrosion wear resistance, wear resistance and durability. Stir casting remains the most economical and commonly adopted liquid-state technique for fabricating AA 6061 composites. Recent developments include ultrasonic-assisted, electromagnetic and squeeze stir casting methods for improved particle distribution and reduced porosity. Current research focuses on nano-reinforcements, hybrid composites and bio-waste-derived particulates for enhanced mechanical and tribological properties. Reinforcements such as SiC, B₄C, Al₂O₃, TiC, and other ceramic or organic materials are frequently used. Increased reinforcement content generally improves hardness, tensile strength, and wear resistance. Hybrid composites often show better performance compared to single-reinforcement systems. In recent years, the manufacturing industries are utilizing the Industry 4.0 tools, including AI-based optimization and digital modeling, support process control and property prediction. Applications of AA 6061 composites include electric vehicles, aerospace components, defense systems, biomedical devices and thermal structures. Future research directions include nano-structured composites, sustainable material integration, additive manufacturing compatibility, and circular-economy-based composite development.
Kalpana et al. (Mon,) studied this question.