The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) is very useful to study the worn surfaces of the proposed specimen (eg. Al-SiCp) composites and carryout the tests to learn the effects of sliding distance, load and velocity on friction and wear characteristics of proposed composites using Pin-on-Disc wear testing machine.
Article Studying the microstructure of AlSiC metal matrix composite ...
SEM gives a chance to look at the micro-structure of the micro and nano constituents of the composite especially the Metal Matrix Composites. Other than the added reinforcements the formation of any new compounds in the in-situ, formations of intermetallics in grain boundaries can be easily visulaized.
Dear Dr. Palani Subbiah ,
the SEM technique with EDAX microprobe is an optimal instrumentation for the analysis of MMC as it is able to evaluate both the superficial morphology of the system (possible defects such as blowholes, morphology of corrosive attack, etc.) both the chemistry of the compounds present on the surface or in critical areas as the matrix / reinforcement interfaces.
Best regards, Pierluigi Traverso
In SEM we have two different mode including Secondary Electron (SE) and Backscattered Electron (BSE), each mode uses for specific purposes for example if you want to characterize between different phases with various density, you should use BSE while you want to see topology like fracture surface of composite specimen SE is preferred. So, about your question, BSE is very useful mode to differentiate between Al matrix and its reinforcement.
To study the interface.
To characterize the fracture behaviour of the metal matrix composite.
To study the worn surface after tribology testing.
The Scanning Electron Microscopy evaluates the superficial morphology of the composites .
Article Studying the microstructure of AlSiC metal matrix composite ...
A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to analyze the reinforcement particle size, fracture behavior in the composite and seen the chemistry of the compounds present on the surface.
Dear Sir,
SEM micrographs exhibit the distribution of the reinforcement phases within the continuous matrix phase of the MMCs. SEM is employed to ensure the uniform dispersion of these reinforcements and to manage the mixing of foreign contaminants, within the continuous phase. In common, the SEM is applied along with EDAX spectroscopy (aka EDS).
SEM and EDS analysis of wear track and wear debris, helps to understand wear mechanism.
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