Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ni‐Coated Continuous Carbon Fibers‐Reinforced Pure Aluminum Matrix Composites Prepared by Twin‐Roll Casting Method

Abstract

Herein, continuous carbon fibers (CFs) were coated with Ni coating by an optimized electroplating process to enhance the wettability between the aluminum (Al) matrix and CFs. Then, Ni‐coated CFs were used as a reinforced phase to produce carbon fibers reinforced aluminum matrix (CF/Al) composites through the twin‐roll casting method. The impact of electroplating time on the coating thickness of CFs is investigated, and the effect of preheat treatment and coating thickness on the mechanical properties of CFs is studied through microscopic analysis and tensile property tests. The results indicate that Ni coating and CFs were well bonded, and an optimum coating thickness is subsequently determined (0.6 μm) under appropriate electroplating time (4 min). In addition, the optimal preheat treatment parameters are 673 K in air for 30 s and immersed in the Al molten matrix (973 K for 30 s) immediately. Moreover, the uncoated CF/Al composites are studied to compare with the Ni‐coated (0.6 μm) CF/Al composites from micromorphology, interfacial, and tensile tests. It is found that the presence of Ni coating can improve the mechanical properties. A twin‐roll casting method is successfully developed to fabricate CF/Al composites, which have the advantages of short process, high efficiency, and continuous production.