Damping mechanisms in alumina borate whisker-reinforced-aluminum matrix composites with or without SnO2 coatings

SnO2 was successfully coated on the surface of alumina borate whiskers. The pure aluminum matrix composites reinforced with a SnO2-coated alumina borate whisker were fabricated by squeeze casting. The effects of coating contents on the damping properties of the coated composites at various temperatures, frequencies, and strain amplitudes were examined. The microstructures of the coated composites were also investigated through transmission electron microscopy observations. These results indicate that the introduction of Sn at the interface between whisker and matrix in the coated composites during the squeeze casting process alters not only the interface structures but also the dislocation status of the matrices in the vicinity of the interface. The results of damping characterization indicate that the damping capacities of the coated composites strongly depend on the coating contents and strain amplitudes. A damping peak at low temperatures appeared not only in the coated composites but also in the noncoated one, which is related to dislocation motion and interfacial slip caused by Sn. A damping peak at high temperatures appeared only in the coated composites, and the damping mechanisms at high temperature change with the increase in strain amplitudes. Sn played an important role on the damping mechanisms of the coated composites all along.