Particulate-reinforced AlSi10Mg matrix composites fabricated by laser powder bed fusion: A review

The high-performance solid-free forming process of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology allows the production of challenging pure metals, various alloys, and metal matrix composites. Applying LPBF technology to metal matrix composites, especially particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites (P-AMCs), has broad application prospects in high-performance lightweight materials - multi-functional structures - performance integration. Due to its good formability, AlSi10Mg alloy can be used as an ideal material for LPBF-manufactured aluminum (Al) matrix composites. With the addition of the second phase, the LPBF-manufactured AlSi10Mg composite exhibits improved microstructure and optimized mechanical properties, which greatly enriches the composite material library in aerospace and automotive industries and has important research significance. This review article aims to summarize the recent progress in the powder mixing process, the characterization of interface and microstructure, strengthening and toughening mechanism, and try to establish the internal relationship between microstructure, strength, and ductility of deposited materials. Subsequently, based on the existing analysis and discussion, the development of LPBF-manufactured high-strength Al alloy and functional Al matrix materials is also highlighted.