Aluminum – matrix composites prepared by power metallurgical (P/M) process
Al/Mg composites fabricated by P/M technique followed by sintering to improve mechanical properties. Interfacial bonding is an important issue in this regard, where metal oxide phases are commonly formed during the sintering process.
Al/SiC composites; the possible formation of Al4C3 phase uring the preparation which leads to reduced mechanical strengths is avoided by an introduction of SiO2 or Al2O3 thin layers at the interface between Al matrix and SiC particles.
Secondary electron image of Al (green)-matrix composite reinforced by SiO2 nanoparticles (Si: blue, O: red) . The aggregation of nanoparticles are seen to be unavoidable, while the oxygen atoms are more homogeneously distributed.