Microwave Sintered for Aluminum-Based Advanced Composite Materials: A Review

Reinforcement as an advanced material in aluminum-based metal matrix composites (Al-based MMCs) is an advantageous approach for fabricating through the microwave sintering (MWS) technique, offering distinct superiority over traditional sintering methods. The unique characteristics of the microwave technique, such as superior control over temperature gradients, rapid heating rates, and efficient energy utilization, appeal to a promising production approach of Al-MMCs with enhanced mechanical and other technical properties. This review greatly assists on microwave response, and clearly defines the associated research gaps and challenges. Hence, this review highlights concrete strategies to transform the challenges into a possible future road map to expand the technological application and improvement in process parameters mainly aiming at the development of MWS technologies applied to Al-based advanced composite materials, focusing on the MWS mechanism, examining the utilization and effect of advanced materials on the overall qualities of composites such as ceramics, nanoparticles, nanotubes, and graphene enhancing the functional properties of Al-based MMCs carried out by MWS process.