Synthesis and Flexural Behavior of Silica Coated ABOw Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composites for Structural Application

In the present investigation, the effect of SiO2 coated aluminum borate whiskers (ABOw) content (5, 10 and 15 wt.%) on the development of silica (SiO2) coated ABOw/Al composite has been synthesized using powder metallurgy route. After that, the microstructures of composites were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were employed to confirm the weight percentages of elements present. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis was performed to observe ABOw powder morphologies and matrix. The XRD analysis was carried out to confirm the phases and peak intensity of developed alloy, and the bending test was carried out to calculate flexural strength of alloy and composites. The flexural strength (178 MPa) 50–60% above that of the matrix was obtained maxima in composite with 10 wt.% coated ABOw along with improved hardness around 45.2 Hv. The result shows that the composite exhibited better interfacial bonds, uniformity in microstructure and optimum flexural strength. The analysis shows that the powder metallurgy process may develop a high strength and refined grain structure composite.