Microstructure and compressive properties of short carbon fiber/Ni composites fabricated by SPS with nickel-coated fibers

This article successfully prepared a 20% volume fraction of short carbon fiber reinforced nickel-based composite material using spark plasma sintering (SPS) technology. By directly sintering nickel-plated carbon fibers, high-temperature thermal damage was effectively suppressed, and fiber strength loss was avoided. X-ray diffraction analysis shows that the composite material is mainly composed of nickel. Scanning electron microscopy observations indicate the uniform dispersion of carbon fibers within the nickel matrix, which display anisotropic properties. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed good interface bonding, and no obvious impurities were observed. The test results of room temperature compression mechanical properties show that the average elastic modulus of the sample was 3.75 GPa, and the compressive strength was 315.45 MPa.