Factors affecting tensile strength of the continuous ceramic fiber reinforced aluminum matrix composite

Abstract SiC fiber reinforced aluminum matrix composite was fabricated by a combination of Magnetron Sputtering and hot isostatic pressing (HIP). Microstructure and mechanical properties of the SiCf/Al composite were investigated with a scanning/transmission electron microscope, compression, and tensile tests. Results showed that the distribution of the SiC fibers in the matrix of the SiCf/Al composite was quite uniform. A diffusion layer was observed at the interface between the fiber and matrix. However, no interfacial reaction happened at the interface, which indicated the good thermal stability of the interface at the prepared temperature. The damage mode of the surface for the SiCf/Al composite under compression is shear fracture of the fiber and matrix. High compression strength implied a good interfacial bond between the fiber and matrix. Due to the good microstructure of the composite and 6% strength increase of the SiC fiber after the HIP process, the tensile strength loss of the SiCf/Al composite was as low as 23.1%.