Effect of ZnAl₂O₄ coating of whisker surface on Young's modulus of Al₁₈B₄O₃₃w/Al composite

Pure aluminium matrix composites reinforced by ZnAl₂O ₄ coated Al₁₈B₄O₃₃ whiskers were fabricated by squeeze casting. The effect of ZnAl₂O₄ coating on the Young's modulus of the composite was investigated. The results show that the Young's modulus of the composite significantly increases with increasing ZnAl₂O₄ coating content. The influence mechanisms of ZnAl₂O₄ coating on the Young's modulus of the composite were analysed. The increase in load transfer area of whisker/matrix interface and the volume fraction of effective reinforcement with increasing ZnAl₂O₄ coating content can increase the Young's modulus of the composites. The steps can provide an additional load transfer from the matrix to whiskers during the tensile deformation of the composites.