Microstructure and properties of ecoceramics/metal composites with interpenetrating networks

Ecoceramics is a porous carbon material which is proved to have some favorable characteristics. With the purpose of enlarging the application fields of ecoceramics, an ecoceramics/ZK60A (ECMs/ZK60A hereafter) composite was fabricated using high-pressure vacuum infiltration technique. Microstructural analysis and measurements of mechanical properties as well as damping behavior of ECMs/ZK60A composite were made. Experimental results show that ZK60A filled most of the pores and ECMs/AlSi composites have a topologically uniform interconnected network microstructure. ECMs/ZK60A composite exhibited superior mechanical properties as compared with uninfiltrated ecoceramics. It is believed that strengthening effect was caused by strengthening of ZK60A, crack bridging by the ductile phase and interlocking structure between components in ECMs/ZK60A composite. Damping values of ECMs/ZK60A composite improve based on those of ecoceramics. They increase with testing temperature but decrease with increasing vibration frequency.