Microstructure of a carbon fiber-reinforced aluminum matrix composite fabricated by spark plasma sintering in various pulse conditions

摘要

Carbon fiber-reinforced aluminum composites were produced by spark plasma sintering in various pulse conditions. The pulse condition of spark plasma sintering affected the aluminum particle boundaries and aluminum/carbon fiber interfaces; the different fracture morphologies of aluminum oxide were observed on aluminum particles and interfacial aluminum carbide formation. We demonstrated the control of the quantity of aluminum carbide crystals by the alteration of pulse conditions. Finally, we propose the mechanism of local temperature increase in the spark plasma sintering process.