Interface microstructure and reaction in Gr/Al metal matrix composites

The interface structure in Gr/Al composites fabricated with liquid metal infiltration has been studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Morphologies of interfacial reaction product, aluminium carbide Al₄C₃, formed at different manufacturing parameters were compared and, the growth mechanism of the carbide was studied by means of high resolution electron microscopy (HREM). It has been shown that the morphology of the carbide is intimately related to the processing parameters with which the composites were produced. There are two kinds of interfaces between the carbide and the aluminium matrix. They have different growth mechanisms and relative growth rates under different growth driving forces. Several crystal orientation relationships between the carbide and the aluminium matrix have been observed.