Abstract:The 6061 aluminum matrix composites reinforced with ZnO-coated Mg₂B₂O_5w were fabricated by squeeze casting method and followed by extruded under a technical equivalent condition. The mechanical properties and microstructures of the composites were investigated. The results showed that the elastic modulus of the as-cast composites increased straightly with increasing ZnO coating content. The ultimate tensile strength and yield strength of the as-cast composites rapidly increased initially and then declined with increasing ZnO coating content. However, the elongations of all the as-cast composites had similar values. The elongations of the composites were highly enhanced and the ultimate tensile strength of the composite without ZnO coating was the largest after extrusion. A number of whiskers in the composites with ZnO coating were fractured during the extrusion process, but the whiskers’ breakage extent was limited with the increase of coating content.

Key words: aluminum matrix composites; Mg₂B₂O₅ whisker; coating; extrusion; mechanical properties