Effect of Nd content on microstructure and mechanical properties of Grf/Al composite

M40 graphite fibre reinforced Al–17Mg matrix composites with different neodymium (Nd) content (Al–17Mg, Al–17Mg–0.2Nd, Al–17Mg–0.5Nd and Al–17Mg–2Nd) were fabricated by pressure infiltration method. Microstructure of Grf/Al composites was investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM and HRTEM. Effect of Nd on microstructure and mechanical properties of Grf/Al composites were deeply discussed. Al3Mg2 and Al11Nd3 phases followed by segregation of Nd and Mg at carbon–aluminum interface were detected in composites containing Nd. The size and amount of Al4C3 phase were increased with Nd content. Bending strength of Grf/Al composites were decreased sharply from 1463 MPa (Grf/Al–17Mg) to 791 MPa (Grf/Al–17Mg–2Nd) after the addition of Nd. The increased Nd content decreased the pull-out of single fibre and bundles, which was due to the high interfacial bonding strength with formation of Al4C3, Al3Mg2, Al11Nd3 phases and the transition layer.