| The interface structure and aging characteristics of silicon carbide particulate reinforced aluminum alloy (A356), SiC{dollar}sb{lcub}p{rcub}{dollar}/Al(A356), metal matrix composite (MMC) were studied. Analytical transmission electron microscopy (ATEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) were used to characterize the morphology of the SiC/Al interface and to identify the interfacial reaction products. The results show that (1) a fairly good coherency at the interface between SiC and Al matrix can be obtained by the Alcan technique; (2) angular shaped magnesium aluminates (spinel, MgAl{dollar}sb2{dollar}O{dollar}sb4{dollar}) are formed at the interface between SiC and the aluminum alloy matrix in cast SiC{dollar}sb{lcub}p{rcub}/{dollar}Al(A356) MMC's; (3) there exist elastic strain fields around the interface phases.; The aging characteristics of the same composite material were studied using hardness test and ATEM.; Finally, study of wettability between molten aluminum alloys and SiC with different surface treatments is proposed for future research work on the interface of this composite system. For this purpose, methods to measure the contact angle and interfacial debonding strength are outlined in principle. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
