Abstract: Aluminum matrix composite are widely used in aerospace industry because of its excellent specific strength,good corrosion resistance and low cost. In recent years, nanocarbon reinforced aluminum matrix composite has gradually become a research hotspot with its excellent mechanical and physical properties. The research progress about surface modification techniques such as bill-milling and coating for nano-carbon reinforcement to improving the reinforcement dispersion and interfacial wettability of Al-C interface was reviewed. The manufacture process and mechanical properties of carbon reinforced aluminum composites were summarized, and the development direction to further improving the mechanical properties of aluminum carbon composites was also prospected.