Al-V-graphite interface reactions: an XAFS study of the reactions in a composite interface system

• Published in: Journal of materials science 1994-09, Vol.29 (18), p.4742-4749
• Main Authors: Barrera, E. V., Uslu, C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0022-2461; 1573-4803
• DOI: 10.1007/BF00356518

The high temperature reaction properties of a metal matrix composite interface have been observed in this research by x-ray reflectivity and x-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) coupled to Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). This study was taken from the vantage point of the vanadium diffusion barrier interfacial layer in a model aluminium-graphite metal matrix laminate composite. The interfacial couple of Al and V was analysed to ascertain the reaction species at temperatures of 200-350 deg C. X-ray reflectivity and glancing angle XAFS showed that the initial Al-V reaction occurred at 325 deg C where the Al-rich intermetallic Al sub 3 V formed. Small angle XAFS was used to analyse the higher temperature interfacial changes in the temperature range of 300-500 deg C. Further interactions occurred at 500 deg C, where interdiffusion of Al, carbon and oxygen occurred leading to phase formation of the V, dependent on the graphite basal plane orientation. AES, used to determine the initial compositions and those resulting from the high temperature heat treatments, complemented the XAFS results.