Atomistic study of interaction zone at copper-carbon interfaces

Formation of Cu-C composite is a difficult technological problem: carbon is practically insoluble in copper. We show that the heat treatment of the Cu -C composite leads to the formation of thin (approximately 50 nm) interface , which provides the bonding between fiber and matrix, The high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR SEM) study displays the formation of the i nteraction zone. Monte Carlo simulations with repulsive Cu-C interatomic po tentials study this zone on the interface. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. A ll rights reserved.