INTERFACIAL BONDING IN MMC

SUBMITTED BY:
RISHABH SHARMA
18301102
PHD SCHOLAR
MMED

SUBMITTED TO: Dr. RANVIR PANWAR

MMED
 INTRODUCTION
• We can define an interface between a reinforcement and
matrix as the bounding surface between the two, across
which a discontinuity in some parameter occurs.

Fig. Cu/SiC Interface

• The desired properties of MMCs, namely strength, stiffness,
fracture toughness, good creep and fatigue resistance are
significantly influenced by the nature of the interface
between reinforcement and the matrix

• Criteria which are important in considering the interface that

exists in a MMC material:
a. Adsorption and Wetting
b. Inter-diffusion
c. Chemical bonding
d. Mechanical adhesion
 Adsorption and Wetting
• Good wettability is needed to generate a strong interface that
will allow transfer and distribution of load from the matrix to
the dispersed phase.

• Thermodynamically reversible work needed to separate

interface into its component parts:
Wa= Ys + YL- YSL ………………… (1)
YS = Surface energy of solid
YL= Surface energy of liquid
YSL= Interfacial energy of solid-liquid phase
• Young – Dupre’s equation:
YS= YSL+ YL cos θ ………………….. (2)
Ø= contact angle
Combining (1) and (2)
Wa= YL (1 + cos θ)
Thus from a knowledge of Ø and YL, the work of adhesion can be
found out.
1. For θ =180°, the drop is spherical with only point contact with the
solid and no wetting.
2. For θ =0°, the wetting is PERFECT.
3. For 0°<θ<180°, the degree of wetting increases as Ø decreases.

Fig. Liquid drop on solid surface

• Adsorption: It is a surface reaction which is dependent on
concentration, temperature , and diffusivity. The greater the
adsorption, the more the solute tends to lower the surface
energy.

• Inter-diffusion:Inter-diffusion plays only a minor role at low

temperatures, but at elevated temperatures approaching the
mp of the matrix, inter-diffusion and chemical reaction can
result in the formation of brittle inter-metallics which are
detrimental to the mechanical properties of MMCs.
• Chemical bonding: For strong chemical bonding between the
reinforcement and matrix a controlled amount of chemical reaction
at the interface is always desirable. However, too thick an interfacial
zones adversely the mechanical properties of the composites and
leads to premature failure.
• Mechanical adhesion:Mechanical bonding plays a major role in
load transfer by shear. Two separate factors affect mechanical
adhesion namely
(1). Surface roughness, which control the amount of mechanical
interlocking that can occur, and
(2). The presence of residual stresses in the matrix as a result of
fabrication.
• Example- carbon and aluminium fibres possess small surface
irregularities that affect the apparent fibre-matrix bond.
 Improvements in interfacial bonding in MMC

• Improvements in interfacial bonding in MMC are generally

achieved by two means:
• 1. Surface treatment of the reinforcement- The
reinforcement surfaces are coated with suitable materials to
improve wettability and adhesion and also to prevent any
adverse chemical reactions at elevated temperature.

Example:
1. Coatings of SiC on boron fibre for Al matrices.
2. B4C coating on boron fibres for Titanium matrices.
2. Matrix Modification –
It is done by modifying the matrix alloy composition.
Example-
1. Alloying the Al matrix with Lithium promotes the wetting of
polycrystalline Al2O3 fibres. The Lithium is believed to react
with alumina to form a lithium aluminate which is more
readily wetted by aluminium.

Alloying can minimize unwanted interfacial reactions.

 IMPORTANT POINTS
• For strong chemical bonding between the reinforcement and
matrix a controlled amount of chemical reaction at the
interface is always desirable. However, too thick an interfacial
zones adversely the mechanical properties of the composites
and leads to premature failure.
• Interfacial reactions are of concern as they can adversely
affect the mechanical performance of an MMC. So, it is clear
that, as a general rule, extensive interfacial reactions should
be avoided if optimum mechanical performance is to be
achieved with MMCs.
THANK YOU