Auger spectroscopy study of MgLi melt affected carbon/pyrocarbon fibres

Mg-12wt.% Li matrix composite reinforced with T300 carbon fibres coated wit h pyrolytic carbon (similar to 100nm) was manufactured by the infiltration of the carbon fibre bundle with MgLi melt. The fibre/matrix chemistry was s tudied by means of in situ Auger electron spectroscopy of the fibre jacket and the fibre cross-fracture in ultra-high vacuum broken composite bars. Th e fibre bulk attack with lithium is concluded wherein C(KVV) lineshape indi cates that lithium carbide is the only reaction product, and its distributi on in the fibre bulk is quite uniform. Magnesium penetrates also the fibre bulk but its role in the fibre attack is marginal. It is assumed that lithi um carbide is formed as a dispersed minor phase in the fibre bulk via decom position of intermediate lithium intercalation products. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.