Structure and behavior of metal/ceramic interfaces in Ti alloy/SiC metal matrix composites

The structure and mechanical behavior of the fiber/matrix interface in Ti alloy/SCS-6 SiC metal matrix composites were studied. In these composites the interface region consists of a fiber-coating region and a metal reaction zone between the SiC fiber body and the metal matrix. The fiber coating consists of a number of zones or layers which are comprised of cubic SiC particles in a turbostratic carbon matrix. Some ambiguity remains, concerning the number of distinct layers and the size, shape, and density of the SiC particles. The effect of composite fabrication and heat treatment on the coating structure is relatively small. Studies of the metal reaction zone adjacent to the fiber in Ti alloy/SCS-6 SiC MMC's have shown that a number of discrete zones or layers form. Nearest the fiber, a zone of cubic TiC occurs, with increasing grain size with distance from the fiber. Nearest the metal matrix, a zone of Ti₅Si₃ forms. In high Al content alloys, an intermediate zone forms that consists of Ti₂AlC or Ti₃AlC. The fiber/matrix interface plays an important role during transverse tensile loading of these composites. The tensile behavior is controlled by debonding at the interface, followed by deformation of the matrix ligaments. Replica observations show that the debonding initiates and propagates within the coating layers, but is not confined to a single layer interface.