SiC nanofiber-reinforced Ag matrix composites exhibiting high strength and ductility

In this work, we demonstrated an example of leveraging the intrinsic morphology features of one-dimensional SiC nanofiber (SiC nf ) to design high-performance Ag-metal matrix composites (MMCs) using powder metallurgy techniques. To break up the SiC nf agglomerates and increase surface functionality while maintaining its integrity, the raw SiC nf underwent a specially developed surface modification process. Following a combination of hetero-agglomeration, spark plasma sintering and hot extrusion, the SiC nf was homogeneously dispersed and singly aligned throughout the Ag matrix. Microstructure observations revealed close contact between the SiC nf and the Ag matrix, resulting in a sawtooth-like SiC nf -Ag interface induced by the plastic flow of Ag. Thanks to the presence of strong mechanical anchors at SiC nf protrusions, the load transfer efficiency of the SiC nf -Ag interface reached 72 %. Consequently, the SiC nf /Ag composite exhibited a high tensile strength of 219 MPa and a substantial failure elongation of 39.2 %. This work underscores the importance of optimizing interfacial microstructures and offers the new insights of designing novel Ag-MMCs for applications in conductive devices.