Abstract
High modulus carbon fibers without surface treatment were incorporated into aluminum alloys by the squeeze casting process. The chemical interaction between fibers and matrix, and its effects on the composite strength and fracture morphology were investigated. The effects of alloying elements of Cu, Ca and Mg were also investigated.
The strength and modulus of the composites are in good agreement with the values predicted by a simple rule of mixtures. It is found that the shear strength of the composites is improved by Mg and Ca additions to the matrix and by heat-treatment of the composites. The carbon diffused into the matrix in as cast Al–Mg and Al–Ca alloy matrix composites. The shear fracture path is through the fiber-matrix interface in pure aluminum and Al–Cu matrices, and is through the interface region containing alloying elements in Al–Mg and Al–Ca alloy matrices.
