Abstract Hybrid aluminium metal matrix composites reinforced with dual ceramic particulates have been increasingly investigated due to their potential to enhance mechanical properties beyond those achievable with single-particle reinforcement. This study presents a consolidated review of dual reinforcement systems across various aluminium alloys and fabrication methods, including stir casting, friction stir processing, and powder metallurgy. Reported data indicate consistent improvements in hardness, yield and tensile strength, compressive strength, and wear resistance across a range of reinforcement combinations such as SiC + B 4 C, Al 2 O 3 + BN, TiC + WC, and B 4 C + Gr. While some combinations suggest a possibility of improved ductility alongside strength gains, this trend is not universal and cannot yet be generalised as a resolution to the classical strength–ductility trade-off. The mechanical enhancements observed are attributed to mechanisms such as Orowan strengthening, grain refinement, thermal mismatch–induced dislocation generation, and interfacial load transfer. Overall, this review provides a systematic synthesis of current research trends and highlights the potential and present limitations of dual reinforced composites for advanced structural applications.
Mathew et al. (Tue,) studied this question.