| Abstract: | The interface region in a given composite has a great deal of importance in determining the ultimate properties of the composite. An interface is, by definition, a bidimensional region through which there occurs a discontinuity in one or more material parameters. In practice, there is always some volume associated with the interface region over which a gradual transition in material parameter(s) occurs. The importance of the interface region in composites stems from two main reasons: (i) the interface occupies a very large area in composites, and (ii) in general, the reinforcement and the metal matrix will form a system that is not in thermodynamic equilibrium. One can discuss the interface in a composite at various levels. An optimum one should be neither so simple that it covers only a few special cases nor so complex that it is not useful in designing composites from processing and applications points of view. In this paper, my objective is to give examples of interface microstructure in different metal matrix composite systems and suggest some ways of controlling the interface characteristics in order to control the properties of the composite. I shall give examples of the interface microstructure in different metal matrix composites (particle and fiber reinforced as well as laminates) and discuss some of the important implications on various aspects of metal matrix composites, from the processing stage to ultimate performance of the composite. |
