Interface Engineering of Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Mg-Al Alloys

Metal matrix composites of the system C-fiber/Mg-matrix enable the outstanding combination of the high strength and elastic modulus of carbon fibers and the low density of both the carbon fiber and the magnesium matrix in structural metallic materials. However, the efficiency of the fiber reinforcement depends mainly on the characteristics of the fiber/matrix interlayers. Optimized materials can be achieved only by an appropriate interface design. The interfacial bonding can be adjusted by modifications of both the matrix composition and the fiber surface. Two strategies are reviewed in this paper: Firstly, to control the fiber/matrix reactivity by appropriate chemical and structural properties of the partners. Secondly, to coat the carbon fibers with a suitable material prior to the composite fabrication.