Interfacial force microscopy and its application in metal matrix composites

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) combine the properties of metal and ceramic or intermetallic materials. Common examples of metal matrix composites are Cu-Al(2)O(3), SiC(w)-Al, Al-Al(2)O(3), Al-B(4)C, and Ni-NiAl(3). Mechanical or thermal properties, such as strain-stress behavior, or thermal expansion coefficient can be tailored by changing the content of the reinforcing phase. The most common techniques of measuring mechanical properties of composite materials rely on macroscopic approach. During the past fifteen years, a significant effort has been made to develop various techniques of measuring mechanical properties on a microscopic level. These techniques include atomic force microscope (AFM) and depth sensing indentation techniques, based on Hertzian contact mechanics. However, it is still a challenge to measure reliably and quantitatively the Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of individual phases as well as properties at the interfaces. This presentation will focus on fundamental aspects of measuring of mechanical properties of metal matrix composites at nano-scale using Interfacial Force Microscopy (IFM). The IFM is a scanning probe microscope, which utilizes a unique self-balancing capacitance force sensor. Force-displacement curves obtained with the IFM are analyzed using Hertzian contact mechanics to extract the Young's moduli of the individual phases and interface region with high spatial resolution. The properties of Cu-Al(2)O(3), Al-SiCP composites will be discussed in detail. Furthermore, a comparison of experimental data with mechanical properties calculated from first principles will be discussed.