The interfacial characterization of oxidized SiC(p)/2014 Al composites

The passive oxidation behavior of SIC particles at elevated temperatures ha s been studied. The evolution of interfacial reaction products in 2014 alum inum alloy composite reinforced with oxidized-SiC particles after extended thermal exposure at elevated temperatures were characterized by scanning el ectron microscopy (SEM). transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction. Although it could prevent the interfacial reaction between SIC particles and aluminum alloy, the preoxidation of SiC particles resulted i n the formation of other interfacial reaction products. The results showed that at elevated temperatures nano-MgO formed initially on the surface of t he oxidized SiC particles and then turned into nano-MgAl2O4 crystal due to the reaction between the SiO2 and aluminum alloy containing Mg. TEM observa tions indicated that the oxidized layer on SiC particles was uniform and ha d a good bonding with SIC and aluminum alloy. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V . All rights reserved.