Effect of the interfacial bonding strength on the mechanical properties of metal matrix composites

Abstract

In continuous fiber-reinforced metal matrix composites, the mechanical properties are controlled by the structure and the properties of the interface; in particular, the interface bonding strength between the fiber and matrix plays a very important rule. The effects of the interfacial bonding strength and the distribution of the fiber on the tensile, impact, flexure, and fatigue properties have been investigated. Different structures and properties of the interface were obtained by heat treatment, thermal cycling from liquid nitrogen temperature to 450°C, and alloying the matrix. The results show that there are great differences in the properties and fracture process of composites with various interfacial bonding states. Strong interfacial bonding obviously results in brittle fracture and poor mechanical properties of the composites. There are various suitable interfacial bonding states for the expectant tensile, flexure, impact, and fatigue properties of the composites, respectively. The distribution of ...