Effects of ZnO coating of whiskers on the tensile properties and aging behaviors of aluminum borate whiskers reinforced 2024Al composite

ZnO coating of the aluminum borate whiskers was prepared by sol–gel and 2024Al composite reinforced by the ZnO coated aluminum borate whiskers was fabricated by squeeze casting. Tensile properties and aging behaviors of the composite were investigated. The results show that the ZnO coating of the whiskers reacts with molten 2024Al during squeeze casting and simultaneously a layer of uniform MgAl2O4 forms at the interface. The tensile properties of the composite are the largest after the solid solution treatment at 490°C for 2h and the aging treatment at 170°C for 8h. The ZnO coating of the whiskers significantly changes the aging behaviors of the aluminum borate whiskers reinforced 2024Al composite.