Hot compressive deformation behavior of aluminum matrix composite reinforced by Al18B4O33 whisker coated with Bi2O3

The pure aluminum matrix composites reinforced by aluminum borate whisker with and without Bi2O3 coating (denoted by ABOw/Bi2O3/Al and ABOw/Al, respectively) were fabricated by squeeze casting. The effects of Bi2O3 coating on the microstructure and compressive behavior of the composite were investigated. During the fabrication process, Bi2O3 coating can react with aluminum matrix in the composite, which produces Bi phase at the interface between whisker and matrix. As a result, the maximum compressive flow stress of ABOw/Bi2O3/Al composite is dramatically decreased in comparison with ABOw/Al composite. The degree of whisker fracture in the compressed ABOw/Bi2O3/Al composite is decreased significantly by the Bi2O3 coating. So, ABOw/Bi2O3/Al composite has a high plastic formability.