Fabrication of aluminum matrix composites with enhanced mechanical properties reinforced by in situ generated MgAl2O4 whiskers

Aluminum matrix composite reinforced by in situ generated single crystalline MgAl2O4 whiskers was fabricated by chemical synthesis method in an Al–Mg–H3BO3 system. A large number of MgAl2O4 whiskers were generated during the sintering process and distributed homogeneously in the Al matrix. The whiskers penetrate into the matrix grains to form the framework of the materials, leading to an incredible increase in mechanical properties of the composites. The generation mechanism of the MgAl2O4 whiskers was also discussed.