Vacuum infiltration of carbon fibres by magnesium and AZ91 alloy

Anita Olszówka-Myalska, Roman Przeliorz, Agnieszka Botor-Probierz, Marta Sikora Politechnika Śląska, Wydział Inżynierii Materiałowej i Metalurgii, ul. Krasińskiego 4, 40-019 Katowice, Poland

Quarterly No. 2, 2008 pages 201-205

DOI:

keywords: composites, carbon fibres, magnesium, interface

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abstract Carbon fibres (Torayca FT300B) were infiltrated by pure magnesium and AZ91 magnesium alloy in vacuum, at 650C during 20 minutes and then cooled under pressure. Cross sections of polished samples prepared with contact of water and cross sections of fractured samples were observed by SEM. Full infiltration of fibres occurred for both matrixes. The main difference between analyzed systems fibre-metal was observed on the SEM images. On the cross section of Cf-Mg sample fibres were closely surrounded with matrix but their pulling-off was observed on the facture. The bonding for this system can be characterizes as a mechanical type. For the Cf-AZ91 system some pores and irregular phases were observed in the interface of the samples polished in water containing conditions. Additionally complete destruction of the sample after a few month long seasoning in the air took place. In the fracture, just after cracking, good bonding between components and fibres fragmentation were observed. The carbide Al4C3 was formed during consolidation, which is hygroscopic and in contact with water the destruction of structure is inevitable. Investigations of thermal effects for both systems fibre-metal were done using the high-temperature SETARAM calorimeter. The influence of Al on the character of cooling and heating curves of carbon fibres- metal mixture was stated.