Characterization of the correlation between the interfaces and failure behaviors for particle reinforced Mg–Li composites

The interfacial microstructure of SiCp or YAl2p reinforced Mg–14Li–3Al matrix composites was comparatively characterized by scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis. A nanoindentation combined with scanning electron microscopy technique was used to characterize the interfacial mechanical properties between the reinforcements and matrix. The interfacial strength and failure behaviors for the composites were analyzed from the load–penetration curves and corresponding images. In situ tensile tests were used to observe the fracture and deformation processes with the aid of scanning electron microscopy. The results show that both the chemical and mechanical compatibilities between the YAl2 particles and LA143 matrix are better than those between the SiC particles and LA143 matrix. The interfacial breakage load for the SiC/LA143 composite is lower than that for the YAl2/LA143 composite because of the worse chemical and mechanical compatibilities between the ceramic particles and metal matrix. Interfacial breakage is the main failure mechanism for the SiC/LA143 composite, while the particle breakage and matrix crack are the main failure mechanism for the YAl2/LA143 composite. These may be related to the stronger interfacial bonding between the intermetallic particles and metal matrix.