Mechanisms for Mechanical Property Enhancement of Fibre Reinforced Metals Using a Hybrid Technique

Abstract

The properties of multifilament SiC/Al composites can be enhanced when they are ‘hybridised’ by small additions of particulate or whisker material. Previous studies have shown that a mechanism for this improvement is the reduction in the number of fibre contacts. The present work investigated other possible mechanisms. It showed evidence for the reduction of meniscus penetration defects and for the importance of the increased availability of the reinforcement/matrix interfacial area in reducing interface related degradation. In the Al-Cu matrix system this interfacial effect was manifested in the distribution of intermetallic in the composite.