Particle shape effects on ductility of
SiC particle reinforced LD2
matrix composites investigated
by AFM-based nanoindentation
SiC particle reinforced LD2
matrix composites investigated
by AFM-based nanoindentation
(1. State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites,
Shanghai Jiaotong University,Shanghai 200030, P.R.China;
2. Joining and Welding Research Institute of
Osaka University, Osaka 567-0047, Japan)
Shanghai Jiaotong University,Shanghai 200030, P.R.China;
2. Joining and Welding Research Institute of
Osaka University, Osaka 567-0047, Japan)
Abstract: An AFM (Atomic Force Microscope)-based nanoindentation method for local measurement of mechanical properties near interfaces in both angular and blunted SiC particle reinforced LD2 composites is presented. The blunted composite exhibits an improved ductility than the angular counterpart. The nanoindentation examination shows that the micromechanical properties near interfaces distribute unevenly and vary with particle shape in the SiCp/LD2 composites. There are a higher nanohardness value and a lower plastic deformation capacity around an angular particle than around a blunted one. It is inferred that the residual stress and strain concentrations are severer around the angular particle, which causes matrix cracking at a lower external strain level and leads to a lower ductility of the angular composite.
Key words: micromechanical properties; nanoindentation; interface; ductility