Microstructure of unidirectionally solidified fiber reinforced composites
Abstract
During the technical development of our age, higher and higher are the requirements on the applied materials. Composites - used more and more frequently in the last decade - provide a unique possibility of creating appropriate materials for all kinds of usage. Thus, these artificially or in situ produced materials are widespread in aircraft production, space and motor industries as components having special properties.
The mechanical properties of composites are in tight connection with their microstructure, which is determined by the method of manufacturing. An important class of composites is the fiber reinforced ones. This paper deals with the micro structure of unidirectionally solidified fiber reinforced composites. Samples were made by pouring Al melt between tungsten fibers. The probes were unidirectionally solidified to have the structural anisotropy caused by not only the fibers, but the matrix, too.
The dendritic structure of the matrix was analyzed by a semi-automatic image analyzer; the effect of the fibers on the morphology of the resolidified structure was examined.