Experimental procedure to analyse the corrosion mechanisms at the carbon/aluminium interface in composite materials

Aluminium matrix composites reinforced with graphite fibres are of interest for their specific mechanical properties in aeronautical applications. The y are also known to have poor resistance to corrosion in aqueous environmen ts, for example in chloride containing solutions. Galvanic coupling between aluminium and graphite is the dominant corrosion mechanism. The corrosion occurs at the fibre-matrix interface and weakens the load transfer from the matrix to the fibre. Galvanic corrosion mechanism has been studied using i n situ monitoring by long focal video microscopy and atomic force microscop y. The objective of that study was to find an adequate procedure to analyse the corrosion mechanism at the interface. Quantitative informations on the morphology and the kinetics of the corrosion at the fibre/matrix interface are proposed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.