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

Pure aluminium matrix composites reinforced by ZnAl2O4 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.