Interfacial failure behavior of PyC-Cf/AZ91D composite fabricated by LSEVI

Carbon fiber reinforced AZ91D matrix composites with pyrolytic (PyC) coating deposited on fiber surface (PyC-Cf/AZ91D composites) have been fabricated by Liquid-solid extrusion following vacuum pressure infiltration technique (LSEVI). Interfacial microstructure and failure behavior of the composites were investigated. Instead of interfacial reaction products, block-shaped interfacial precipitates Mg17Al12 were detected at the interface, which indicates that interfacial reaction was restrained by LSEVI and PyC coating. Nano-MgO was detected at the interface. Interfacial failure behavior of the PyC-Cf/AZ91D composites, which was the failure between PyC coating and AZ91D alloy due to the mismatch of thermal expansion and relatively poor bonding, was proposed. Fracture surface of the PyC-Cf/AZ91D composites was characterized by fibers pulling-out tests. PyC coating served not only as protection to the fibers, but also an adjustment of the interface of the composites.