A bibliometric analysis on drilling of composite materials using a systematic approach

The increasing use of composite materials across various industries necessitates a detailed understanding of the machining processes involved in their production. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis focused on the drilling of composite materials, aiming to identify key trends, advancements, and research gaps in this critical area. The novelty of this research lies in its systematic approach to mapping the intellectual landscape surrounding drilling processes, particularly emphasizing underexplored topics such as hybrid composites and alternative drilling techniques like laser and ultrasonic methods. An analysis of 927 relevant publications using the Scopus database and VOSviewer software revealed significant insights into the concentration of research on Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP), while highlighting a lack of focus on sustainable drilling practices and real-time defect detection methods. The results suggest that while optimization of traditional drilling parameters is well-covered, there is a pressing need for future research on tool wear mechanisms and environmentally friendly drilling approaches. These findings provide valuable guidance for improving the efficiency, precision, and sustainability of drilling processes, thereby enhancing the industrial application of composite materials.