Dissemination of IT for the Promotion of Materials Science (DoITPoMS)

DoITPoMS Micrograph Library Full Record for Micrograph 603

Full Record for Micrograph 603

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Micrograph no
603
Brief description
Section of a metal matrix composite (MMC)
Keywords
alignment, alumina Link to MATTER Glossary entry for alumina, composite material Link to MATTER Glossary entry for composite material, fibre Link to MATTER Glossary entry for fibre, infiltration, MMC, preform, reinforcement Link to MATTER Glossary entry for reinforcement
Categories
Composite
System
Al-Mg   Link to phase diagram
Composition
Al, Mg 2.5 (wt%), with Al2O3 (5 vol%)
Standard codes
Reaction
N/A
Processing
A preform of d-alumina fibres has been squeeze-infiltrated with an aluminium melt.
Applications
Metal matrix composites (MMCs) offer high specific stiffness which can be retained to high temperatures. This makes them suitable for applications in the aerospace industry. They also offer controlled (or zero) thermal expansion coefficients, good wear resistance and good impact properties.
Sample preparation
The sample has been oxidised to provide colour contrast for different grain orientations.
Technique
Reflected light microscopy, polarised
Length bar
80 μm
Further information
The section is transverse to the fibre plane. A preform of short fibres has been infiltrated with the aluminium melt in a press. The preform is visible in the lower half of the image.
Contributor
Prof T W Clyne
Organisation
Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge
Date
03/10/02
Licence for re-use
Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International
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