A study on an aluminum matrix composite reinforced by both β-eucryptite particle and aluminum borate whisker

Low thermal expansion coefficient and high tensile strength were attained simultaneously in an aluminum matrix composite reinforced by both β-eucryptite particle and aluminum borate whisker by squeeze casting technique. The thermal expansion coefficient of the composite is much lower than that of aluminum alloy. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of the compounds of the composite 375 MPa. Optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to observe the fractograph and microstructure of the composite. The effect of heat treatment on the thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) of the composite was also studied.