Tensile properties of an aluminum matrix composite reinforced by SnO₂-coated Al₁₈B₄O₃₃ whisker

Abstract

Al₁₈B₄O₃₃ whisker was coated by SnO₂ particles using a chemical precipitation method, and an aluminum matrix composite reinforced by the coated whisker was fabricated by squeeze casting technique. It is found that the SnO₂ coating can react with aluminum matrix during squeeze casting process, and Sn particles are induced near the interface between Al₁₈B₄O₃₃ whisker and matrix. The tensile test at room temperature indicated that the tensile strength of Al₁₈B₄O₃₃ whisker reinforced aluminum matrix composite can be enhanced by suitable content of SnO₂ coating. The composites with various whisker coating contents exhibit maximum tensile plasticity at about 300 °C, and the composite with a suitable whisker coating content could enhance its tensile plasticity evidently, which suggest that an Al₁₈B₄O₃₃ whisker-Al composite with both high strength at room temperature and high formability at elevated temperature can be designed.

Keywords

whisker / composite / high temperature plasticity / deformation / SnO₂

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