Influence of Nickel Oxide Additive on the Properties of Sol-Gel Prepared Aluminum Borate Whisker

Whiskers usually have strength equal to that of a perfect crystal. They have been found very useful as reinforcement for metal matrix composites. They enhance mechanical properties, thermal stability, wear resistance, and also make them as light weighted ones. Aluminum borate (9Al2O3.2B2O3) is an effective replacement to silicon carbide whiskers in its use as reinforcement in aluminum metal owing to its high tensile strength, oxidation resistance, chemical stability and wear resistance. In this work, aluminum borate whisker preparation is carried out by sol-gel process using aluminum nitrate and boric acid. The prepared whiskers are then characterized for its morphological and phase properties by SEM and XRD respectively. The study shows that 3% NiO added sample fired at 1100oC with 2 hours soaking had better aspect ratio and productivity.