STUDY ON THE INTERFACIAL REACTION-PRODUCT IN GR AL COMPOSITES/

The interfacial reaction product Al4C3 in Gr/Al composites was shown p referentially nucleated on graphite surface where attachments or amorp hous carbon exist. No definite orientation relationship of Al4C3 with base graphite fiber was found in the present investigation. On the oth er hand, three different orientation relationships were established be tween Al4C3 and the surrounding aluminum matrix. The morphology of Al4 C3, which was found to be controlled by processing conditions, is inte rpreted in terms of the extent and nature of two different growth cont rol mechanisms. The concentration gradient of carbon in the aluminum m atrix near graphite fiber surface was found. The carbon atoms for the growth of Al4C3 are considered to be supplied through the aluminum mat rix along this concentration gradient.