ANALYSIS OF THE INTERFACE IN GRAPHITE MAGNESIUM COMPOSITES AT THE NANOMETER-SCALE/

Magnesium-matrix composites reinforced with coated graphite fibers hav e been studied. The interface lit these composites shows a multiple-la yer microstructure and an amorphous SIC coating was detected on the su rface of the graphite fiber. Some fine MgO grains,were found in the ar ea between the coating and matrix, and some MgO platelets,were present in the matrix. The oxygen at the interface comes from the oxidation o f the coating, and MgO is the outcome of the chemical reaction between the coating and the matrix. MgO is beneficial to the interface in the composite as a consequence of the good bonding between the coating, M gO and the matrix. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.