A study of damping capacities in pure aluminum matrix composites reinforced with SnO2-coated and uncoated alumina borate whiskers

Pure aluminum matrix composites reinforced with coated alumina borate whisker exhibited a high damping capacity than that of non-coated one and this improvement is attributed to the contribution of the introduction of Sn at the interface between whisker and matrix in the coated composites during squeeze casting process. The existence of two damping peaks in the coated composites at around 140 °C and 260 °C has been observed for the first time. The results of damping characterization indicated that the damping capacity of the coated composites strongly dependent on the content of coatings and peak II increases more rapidly with the coating contents.