Influence of microstructure on axial strength of unidirectional continuousfibre reinforced aluminium matrix composites

Systematic empirical investigations on the relationship between microstruct ural features and mechanical performance of unidirectionally reinforced con tinuous fibre Al matrix composites (CFAMCs) carried out by the present auth ors in recent Sears are summarised, The employment of a high strength matri x alloy and the development of a strong fibre/matrix interface are benefici al to maximise the strengthening effect of the fibre reinforcement. Process ing defects, such as second brittle phases in the matrix, non-infiltration defects, matrix solidification shrinkage voids, excessive interfacial react ions, the presence of reaction products on the interface, weal; interfacial binding, and excessively high fibre volume fraction reduce composite stren gth to different extents via a number of different mechanisms. Criteria for the microstructure design of CFAMCs for optimum fibre strengthening effici ency are proposed. MST/4554 (C) 2000 IoM Communications Ltd.