Effect of Ball Milling on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mg2B2O5w/6061Al Matrix Composites

Mg2B2O5 wisker/6061 (AlMg2B2O5w/6061Al) matrix composites were fabricated through the powder metallurgy (PM) technique. The relationship among the parameters of ball milling, powder characteristics, and mechanical properties of the hot extruded composites was investigated. The results show that the reinforcement whiskers accelerate the milling process by increasing the matrix deformation and enhancing the welding and the fracture of particles. Furthermore, the mixing process is modified by a higher milling speed and suitable milling time, which result in reduced crystalline size, improved homogeneity of the whisker distribution, as well as enhanced tensile strength of the hot extruded composites.