Electroless plating copper coating of Al 18 B 4 O 33 whisker for interface improvement of whisker reinforced aluminium matrix composite

There exists serious interfacial reaction in squeeze casting aluminium borate whisker reinforced 6061Al matrix composite. To control the interfacial reaction, an electroless plating method is used to deposit Cu coating on aluminium borate whiskers. The scanning electron microscope observations of the coating indicate that the micrograph of copper coating is affected by pH value and HCHO concentration of the plating bath. The effect of pH value and HCHO concentration on deposition rate of copper is also studied. By using squeeze casting method, 6061Al matrix composites reinforced by copper coated or uncoated whisker were fabricated. It is found that Cu coating of whisker is effective in controlling the interfacial reaction in the composite. The ultimate tensile strength of composite is enhanced greatly by the coating. In addition, the solution treatment can improve further the ultimate tensile strength of the composite reinforced by coated whisker.