Interfacial reaction of aluminum borate whisker reinforced Mg-10Gd-3Y-1Zn-0.4Zr (wt%) alloy matrix composite

Magnesium matrix composites usually possess high strength and stiffness as well as low coefficient of thermal expansion, which makes them promising in lightweight and energy-saving strategies. Although the interfacial bonding state has a crucial influence on the properties of magnesium matrix composites, the interfacial reaction mechanism of Mg-RE alloy matrix composites is still unclear. Herein, the interfacial reaction and microstructure of Mg-10Gd-3Y-1Zn-0.4Zr (wt%) alloy matrix composite reinforced with aluminum borate whisker (Al18B4O33w) were reported by heating the matrix to a semisolid region and inducing the interfacial reaction to continue. After heat treatment at 600 degrees C for 6 h, the thickness of the interface layer increased from 50-120 nm to about 335 nm, and the main interfacial reaction product was (Mg0.4Al0.6)Al1.8O4. With the increase of heating time to 12 h, a new double interface layer with (Mg0.4Al0.6)Al1.8O4 in the inner layer and MgO in the outer layer was formed. The difference of interfacial reaction products during isothermal heat treatment was related to the concentration gradient of Mg atoms along the radial direction of the whiskers and the hindrance of the migration of Mg atoms by reaction products formed in the early stage. These findings provide a further understanding of the interfacial reaction of Al18B4O33w reinforced Mg-RE alloy matrix composites.

Automated summary

In this study, the interfacial reaction and microstructure of a Mg-RE alloy matrix composite reinforced with aluminum borate whisker were investigated through heat treatment. The thickness and composition of the interface layer changed with increasing heating time, revealing the influence of Mg atom concentration gradient and reaction product hindrance on the interfacial reaction.