Fibre and fibre-surface treatment effects in carbon-aluminium metal matrix composites

• Published in: Journal of materials science Vol. 27; no. 8; pp. 2093 - 2100
• Main Authors: DIWANJI, A. P, HALL, I. W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Heidelberg Springer 15.04.1992
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Fibre reinforced metals; Metals. Metallurgy; Powder metallurgy. Composite materials; Production techniques; Fibre reinforced metal; Mechanical properties; Shear strength; Aluminium; Experimental study; Interface; Composite material; Squeeze casting; Surface treatment; Carbon fiber; Surface structure
• ISSN: 0022-2461; 1573-4803
• DOI: 10.1007/BF01117922

A systematic study of the relationship between the microstructure of the interface in C/Al composites and its dependence on variations in squeeze-casting parameters has been undertaken. This research has shown that the amount of Al sub 4 C sub 3 reaction product at the interface is dependent on the surface structure of the reinforcing fibre and the surface treatment of the fibre. Additionally, the interface shear strength increases with an increase in the amount of reaction product at the interface. An increase in interface shear strength leads to a decrease in composite longitudinal strength. High-resolution electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses indicate that carbide formation is a conventional two-step process of nucleation and growth. Nucleation occurs preferentially at graphite edge planes on the carbon-fibre surface, and growth is restricted along certain matrix planes and directions. A356 is used for the matrix.