The properties and microstructure of hybrid composites reinforced with WO3 particles and Al18B4O33 whiskers by squeeze casting

Pure aluminum matrix hybrid composites reinforced with WO3 particles and Al18B4O33 whiskers were fabricated by a squeeze casting technique. Effects of the particle/whisker ratio on properties of the composites were investigated, and the mass attenuation coefficient (μ/ρ) and half value layer (HVL) to linear attenuation coefficient were examined. The results show that WO3 particles and Al18B4O33 whiskers have great effects on the microstructure and properties of the hybrid composites. WO3 particles and Al18B4O33 whiskers are distributed uniformly and randomly in the Al matrix. The ultimate tensile strength and elongation of composites increase with decrease of the particle/whisker ratio. Compare with 2024Al alloy and pure aluminum, the absorptivity η and the μ/ρ of the hybrid composite increase by 65% and 32.1%, respectively.