Interaction between molten aluminium and copper and nickel coated carbon fibers in metal matrix composites

Abstract

Aluminium Matrix Composites (AMC) reinforced with carbon fiber (C f ) show good mechanical properties and great capability of autolubrication. However, carbon fibers have poor wetting and react with molten aluminium producing aluminium carbide (Al 4 C 3 ), that degrades the composite mechanical properties. In order to improve the wetting and to avoid the reaction between C f and aluminium, the fibers have been coated with a thin layer of Cu and Ni, using an electroless process. AMC have been made using uncoated carbon fibers and Cu or Ni coated ones. The matrix-reinforcement interface has been analysed using SEM / EDX. Nanoindentation mechanical tests have been carried out to evaluate mechanical properties of the matrix-reinforcement interface.