Mechanical properties of 2014Al/SiC composites with oxidized SiC particles

Metal-matrix composites (MMCs) are known to have wide applications in parts of transportation devices such as automobiles and aircraft. Al-matrix composites using SiC particles as reinforcements are especially spotlighted because of their low cost, superior specific modulus, specific strength, wear resistance, and high-temperature stability. However, Al₄C₃ formed by the interfacial reaction between Al and SiC weakens the interfacial bonding strength. It is also known to be unstable in the water-soluble atmosphere. In this study, the passive oxidation of SiC powder is used as a protective layer against the reaction between the Al matrix and the SiC particles. We investigated the changes in interfacial product of the composites, and mechanical properties such as interfacial bonding strength and tensile strength, in terms of the oxidized-layer thickness of the reinforcement.