Interfaces in Discontinuously Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites

Abstract

The paper overviews the fundamental and engineering aspects of the interfaces in discontinuously reinforced metal-matrix composites. The major findings of studies undertaken at the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, India, and Northwestern University, USA, are highlighted in addition to a detailed survey of the literature. The various issues such as the nature of interfacial bond, chemical reaction at the interfaces, effect of alloying and processing on structure of the interfaces and the properties of the composites are examined in this paper. Strategies are suggested to exploit the full potential of reinforcing the metallic matrix.