TEM study of the interface in ceramic-reinforced aluminum-based composites

The microstructure and interfaces of aluminum matrix composites were studied using conventional and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HREM). Also convergent-beam electron diffraction (CBED) was used. Two kinds of Al-based ceramic-reinforced composites (Al–TiC and Al–TiB2) were studied. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the presence of a relatively high dislocation density in the matrix of both kinds of investigated composites. The dislocation density is higher near the interface region than inside the matrix. The local strength of the matrix was determined near the reinforcing particles, using TEM at CBED. Analysis of the higher-order Laue zone (HOLZ) lines allowed a determination of the changes in the lattice constant versus the distance from the interface.