The State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, jointly established by the School of Materials Science and Engineering and the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at SJTU, was approved by the State Planning Commission in 1987. It was established, passed the acceptance test at the end of 1991, and officially opened to the public in 1992.

The laboratory applies basic research in metal matrix composites, polymeric matrix composites, and new functional composite materials, guided by national strategic needs and cutting-edge studies. It provides critical theoretical foundations, principle-based technical support in basic research, and small-batch and multi-variety essential materials for key application fields.