MetPreg, a composite developed by Touchstone Research Laboratories (Tridelphia, WV), is an aluminum metal matrix composite reinforced by continuous NextelTM 610 alumina fibers. The question is, after processing, are the NextelTM fibers affected in any way that their strengthening contribution to the composite is reduced? From experimentation and statistical analysis, a strength distribution of pre-processed NextelTM 610 fibers is formed and an empirical correlation is developed relating strength to the observed flaw size on the failed single fibers. This correlation is then independently applied to flaw size information gathered from fibers on the fracture surface of MetPreg samples to develop a separate strength distribution of post-processed NextelTM 610 fibers. The pre- and post-processed distributions are compared to one another to determine the effect, if any, that composite processing has on the strength of NextelTM 610 fibers. The results indicate that the in-situ strength distribution of fibers was increased by composite processing. / Master of Science

Este trabalho versa sobre a inspeção fratográfica por Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) e a análise micro-química por Energia Dispersiva de Raios-X de superfícies de fratura de um compósito particulado de matriz metálica (CMM = liga AA356 + SiC) manufaturado por compofundição e submetido a diferentes classes de ensaios mecânicos, a saber, impacto Charpy, flexão quase-estática e fadiga fletiva. A fratografia por MEV em modo de imageamento por elétrons secundários se mostrou uma poderosa ferramenta na análise dos aspectos topográficos de CMM particulados fraturados, que se relaciona diretamente ao aporte de energia (ou ao nível de tensão desenvolvido) para a criação da superfície de fratura, independentemente do tipo de solicitação mecânica aplicada. Mecanismos de tenacificação em CMM, tais como descolamento, trincamento e arrancamento de partículas de SiC da matriz metálica AA356 foram prontamente identificados e documentados por esta modalidade MEV, e correlacionados ao desempenho mecânico dos materiais investigados. Aglomeração de partículas de SiC, assim como a presença de poros e/ou vazios se revelaram freqüentemente como variáveis determinantes do desempenho mecânico do CMM em ensaios dinâmicos, quase-estáticos e cíclicos. MEV em modo de imageamento por elétrons retro-espalhados se mostrou extremamente útil na identificação de partículas de SiC aflorando em superfícies de fratura do CMM quando o emprego de elétrons secundários não foi bem sucedido na tarefa. Micro-análise química por EDS permitiu o mapeamento dos elementos Fe e Cr, além de Mn, e possibilitou classificá-los como formadores de precipitados potencialmente fragilizantes do CMM. Esta técnica também assegurou a identificação de reticulados ricos em Si ao redor dos glóbulos de fase pró-eutética (alfa), os quais (reticulados) são altamente favorecedores de fraturas intergranulares. / This work focuses on the fractographic inspection by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and micro-chemical analysis by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) of fractured surfaces of a compocast particulate metal matrix composite (MMC = AA356 alloy + SiC) subjected to different classes of mechanical testing, namely, Charpy impact, quasi-static flexure and flexural fatigue. SEM fractography in secondary electron imaging mode has shown to be a powerful tool in analyzing topographic aspects of fractured particulate MMC, which are straightforwardly related to the energy apportion (or the developed stress level) to the fracture surface creation, regardless the applied mechanical loading type. Toughening mechanisms for MMC, such as SiC particle debonding, cracking and pulling-out from the metallic matrix AA356 alloy were promptly identified and documented through this SEM modality, and correlated to the mechanical performance of investigated materials. SiC particle clusters as well as pore and/or void presence were very often discovered as the main controlling variables of mechanical performance of MMC during dynamic, quasi-static and cyclic testing. SEM fractography in backscatted electron imaging mode has shown to be extremely useful on the identification of SiC particles emerging from fractured surfaces of MMC when secondary electron mode did not succeed in this task. EDS micro-chemical analysis allowed to map Fe and Cr, besides Mn, and permitted to classify them as potentially MMC-embrittling precipitated forming elements. This technique also assured the identification of Si-rich reticulated structure around pro-eutectic phase globules, which (reticulated structure) highly favors intergranular fracture.

Compósitos de matriz metálica combinam diferentes classes de materiais a fim de obter novas propriedades, superiores às dos materiais originais. A adição de partículas cerâmicas (reforço) em ligas de cobre pode melhorar suas propriedades mecânicas sem gerar grande perda na condutividade elétrica. Este trabalho teve como objetivo processar e estudar a microestrutura e propriedades (condutividade elétrica, dureza e fratura) de compósitos à base de cobre reforçados com alumina e céria. As amostras foram processadas pela técnica de metalurgia do pó: pesagem, mistura (sem bolas por 30min a 46 rpm), compactação (uniaxial à frio com pressão de 1080 Mpa por 10s) e sinterização (800°C por 6h sob vácuo de 10-5 torr). As análises de MO, MEV, EDS e DRX (com refinamento Rietveld) indicaram boa coalescência das partículas, formando superfície continua e com baixa porosidade. A alumina formou regiões aglomeradas da ordem de 20 μm, a céria ficou finamente dispersa nos contornos de grão do cobre com algumas regiões aglomeradas, o cromo formou regiões de cerca de 100 μm e não teve distribuição completamente uniforme ao longo da matriz, a prata formou solução sólida com o cobre e, durante o resfriamento lento, formou precipitados menores do que 5 μm uniformemente dispersos no interior dos grãos de cobre. Os compósitos apresentaram condutividade elétrica entre 15 e 40 %IACS, dureza entre 62 e 88 HV5 e as fractografias apresentaram fratura mista e regiões indicando boa adesão matriz-reforço. Em relação ao cobre puro, foi observado efetivo aumento na dureza (cerca de 2x), porém, em todos os compósitos, o acréscimo da fase cerâmica acarretou na diminuição da condutividade elétrica. Os compósitos de Cu-8%(Al2O3, CeO2) foram os que apresentaram melhor equilíbrio entre essas duas propriedades, com condutividade de 40 e 38 %IACS e dureza de 63 e 69 HV5. / Metal matrix composites combine different classes of materials to obtain new properties, superior to those of the original materials. The addition of ceramic particles (reinforcement) in copper alloys could improve their mechanical properties without generating great loss in electrical conductivity. The aim of this work was to process and study the microstructure and properties (electrical conductivity, hardness and fracture) of copper-based composites reinforced with alumina and ceria. The samples were processed by the powder metallurgy technique: weighing, blending (no balls for 30 min at 46 rpm), compaction (cold uniaxial at 1080 MPa for 10s) and sintering (800°C for 6 h under vacuum of 10-5 torr). Analysis of OM, SEM, EDS and XRD (with Rietveld refinement) indicated good coalescence of the particles, forming continuous surface with low porosity. The alumina formed agglomerated regions with approximately 20 μm, the ceria was finely dispersed in the grain boundary of the copper with some agglomerated regions, the chromium formed regions of about 100 μm and have a non-uniform distribution throughout the matrix, the silver formed solid solution with copper and, during slow cooling, formed precipitates smaller than 5 μm, uniformly dispersed inside the copper grains. The composites presented electrical conductivity between 15 and 40 %IACS, hardness between 62 and 88 HV5 and the fractographs presented mixed fracture and regions indicating good matrix-reinforcement adhesion. In relation to pure copper, it was observed an increase in hardness (about 2x), however, in all the composites, the increase of the ceramic content led to a decrease in the electrical conductivity. The Cu-8%(Al2O3, CeO2) composites showed the best balance between these two properties, with conductivity of 40 and 38 %IACS and hardness of 63 and 69 HV5.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-21T20:43:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Pedro Henrique F Oliveira.pdf: 13888256 bytes, checksum: 45c80d3205c28d94e4c7c0eb2987187f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-09-23 / The aim of this study was to produce deposit of the alloy AA 6351-T6, filled with alumina particles, on an AA5052-32 alloy substrate using friction-surfacing technology. The depositions were performed with holes in the AA6351-T6 consumable rods, which were filled with particulate alumina (Al2O3). A conventional milling machine, KONE KFE-3 / BR, available by SENAI Ponta Grossa – Paraná, was used to carry out the deposition. The control parameter used for the making the deposits was the rod feed rate being calculated from the relationship between the upward axial displacement in the Z axis (Dz) of the machine table and the total time (t) of deposition. The deposits obtained were evaluated from their physical aspects such as width, thickness and length. In addition, bending tests were conducted for a qualitative assessment of the influence of the alumina particles in the adhesion of the deposit to the substrate and microhardness profiles were obtained to evaluate the influence of the alumina particles produced in the hardness of the deposits. Images of optical microscopy images (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were obtained to evaluate the microstructure and morphology of the deposits produced. The volume fraction of alumina particles in the deposits were obtained by digital processing of the images by optical microscopy. EBSD analysis of deposits in specific regions were performed in order to support the microstructural analysis, enabling verify grain size distribution in different regions of deposits showing the existence of substructures indicating the occurrence of dynamic recrystallization phenomenon. The results showed that it was possible to produce deposits with a refined microstructure and with a certain dispersion of alumina particles. Depositions with two holes in the rod produced deposits with higher volume fraction, and this increase in volume fraction was accompanied by higher hardness values. / O presente trabalho buscou depositar a liga AA 6351-T6, preenchida com partículas de alumina (Al2O3), sobre um substrato de liga AA5052-32 através da tecnologia de deposição superficial por atrito (friction surfacing). As deposições foram realizadas com um e dois furos nas hastes de liga AA6351-T6, que foram preenchidos com partículas de alumina. Para a realização das deposições foi utilizada uma fresadora convencional KONE KFE-3/BR disponibilizada pelo SENAI Ponta Grossa – Paraná. O parâmetro de controle utilizado para a confecção dos depósitos foi a taxa de alimentação da haste, sendo calculada a partir da relação entre o deslocamento axial ascendente no eixo Z (Dz) da mesa da máquina com o tempo total (t) de deposição. Os depósitos obtidos após o processamento foram avaliados a partir de seus aspectos físicos tais quais largura, espessura e comprimento. Também foram realizados ensaios de dobramento para uma avaliação qualitativa da influência das partículas de alumina na adesão do depósito no substrato e foram obtidos perfis de microdureza para avaliação da influência das partículas de alumina na dureza dos depósitos produzidos. Foram obtidas imagens de microscopia ótica (MO) e microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) para avaliação da microestrutura e morfologia dos depósitos produzidos. Ainda foi obtida a fração volumétrica das partículas de alumina nos depósitos produzidos através de processamento digital das imagens obtidas por microscopia óptica. Análises de EBSD em regiões específicas dos depósitos foram realizadas com o intuito de reforçar a análise microestrutural possibilitando verificar a distribuição de tamanho de grão em diferentes regiões dos depósitos, mostrando a existência de subestruturas indicando a ocorrência do fenômeno de recristalização dinâmica. Os resultados mostraram que foi possível produzir depósitos com uma microestrutura refinada e com uma certa dispersão de partículas de alumina. As deposições com dois furos na haste produziram depósitos com maior fração volumétrica, sendo que esse aumento da fração volumétrica foi acompanhada pelo aumento dos valores de dureza.

Contrary to elastic deformation, plastic deformation of crystalline materials, such as metals, is size-dependent. Most commonly, this phenomenon is present but unnoticed, such as the effect of microstructural length scales. The grain size in metallic materials is a length scale that affects material parameters such as yield stress and hardening moduli. In addition, several experiments performed in recent years on specimens with geometrical dimensions on the micron scale have shown that these dimensions also influence the mechanical behaviour. The work presented in this thesis involves continuum modelling and simulation of size-dependent plastic deformation, with emphasis on thin films and the formulation of interface conditions. A recently published strain gradient plasticity framework for isotropic materials [Gudmundson, P., 2004. A unified treatment of strain gradient plasticity. Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids 52, 1379-1406] is used as a basis for the work. The theory is higher-order in the sense that additional boundary conditions are required and, as a consequence, higher-order stresses appear in the theory. For dimensional consistency, length scale parameters enter the theory, which is not the case for conventional plasticity theory. In Paper A and B, interface conditions are formulated in terms of a surface energy. The surface energy is assumed to depend on the plastic strain state at the interface and different functional forms are investigated. Numerical results are generated with the finite element method and it is found that this type of interface condition can capture the boundary layers that develop at the substrate interface in thin films. Size-effects are captured in the hardening behaviour as well as the yield strength. In addition, it is shown that there is an equivalence between a surface energy varying linearly in plastic strain and a viscoplastic interface law for monotonous loading. In paper C, a framework of finite element equations is formulated, of which a plane strain version is implemented in a commercial finite element program. Results are presented for an idealized problem of a metal matrix composite and several element types are examined numerically. In paper D, the implementation is used in a numerical study of wedge indentation of a thin film on an elastic substrate. Several trends that have been observed experimentally are captured in the theoretical predictions. Increased hardness at shallow depths due to gradient effects as well as increased hardness at more significant depths due to the presence of the substrate are found. It is shown that the hardening behaviour of the film has a large impact on the substrate effect and that either pile-up or sink-in deformation modes may be obtained depending on the material length scale parameter. Finally, it is qualitatively demonstrated that the substrate compliance has a significant effect on the calculated hardness of the film. / QC 20100723

The research conducted in this study was concerned with the development of low-cost continuous production of carbon fiber/aluminum composites. Two coatings, alumina and zirconia, were applied to the fibers to protect against interfacial degradation. They were applied using a sol-gel method and common metal salts. The fibers were infiltrated with molten aluminum using an ultrasound sonicator. The resultant composites were well-infiltrated and were tested in tension to determine their mechanical properties. Strengths were only 15-35% of the theoretical values predicted by the rule of mixtures. The composite microstructure revealed a sizable void fraction and that the fibers within the composites did not contain any coating on their surface. It was hypothesized that this was a result of few exposed graphite plane edges on the fiber surface, causing poor adhesion of the oxide coating to the fiber surface. To improve adhesion, an amorphous carbon coating was applied to the fiber surface, but still the oxide coatings were removed from the fibers upon infiltration. It was found, however, that the carbon coating on its own did strengthen the interface between the fiber and the aluminum.

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are emerging as advanced engineering materials for application in aerospace, defence, automotive and consumer industries (sports goods etc.). In MMCs, a metallic base material is reinforced with ceramic fiber, whisker or particulate in order to achieve a combination of properties not attainable by either constituent individually. Aluminium or its alloy is favoured as metallic matrix material because of its low density, easy fabricability and good engineering properties. In general, the benefits of aluminium metal matrix composites (AMCs) over unreinforced aluminium alloy are increased specific stiffness, improved wear resistance and decreased coefficient of thermal expansion. The conventional reinforcement materials for AMCs are SiC and AI2O3. In the present work, boron carbide (B4C) particles of average size 40μm were chosen as reinforcement because of its higher hardness (very close to diamond) than the conventional reinforcement like SiC, AI2O3 etc. and of its density (2.52 g cm"3) very close to Al alloy matrix. In addition, due to high neutron capture cross-section of 10B isotope, composites containing B4C particle reinforcement have the potential for use in nuclear reactors as neutron shielding and control rod material. Al-5%Mg alloy was chosen as matrix alloy to utilize the beneficial role of Mg in improving wettability between B4C particles and the alloy melt. (Al-5%Mg)-B4C composites containing 10 and 20 vol% B4C particles were fabricated. For the purpose of inter-comparison, unreinforced Al-5%Mg alloy was also prepared and characterized. The Stir Cast technique, commonly utilized for preparation of Al-SiC, was adapted in this investigation.The Composites thus prepared was subsequently hot extruded with the objective of homogenization and healing minor casting defects. Finally the unreinforced alloy and its composites were characterized in terms of their microstructure, mechanical and thermo-physical properties, sliding wear behaviour and neutron absorption characteristics. The microstructures of the composites were evaluated by both optical microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The micrographs revealed a relatively uniform distribution of B4C particles and good interfacial integrity between matrix and B4C particles. The hot hardness in the range of 25°C to 500°C and indentation creep data in the range of 300°C to 400°C show that hot hardness and creep resistance of Al-Mg alloy is enhanced by the presence of B4C particles. Measurement of coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of composites and unreinforced alloy upto 450°C showed that CTE values decrease with increase in volume fraction of reinforcement. Compression tests at strain rates, 0.1, 10 and 100 s-1 in the temperature range 25 - 450 °C showed that the flow stress values of composites were, in general, greater than those of unreinforced alloy at all strain rates. These tests also depicted that the compressive strength increases with increase in volume fraction of reinforcements. True stress values of composites and unreinforced alloy has been found to be a strong function of temperature and strain rate. The kinetic analysis of elevated temperature plasticity of composites revealed higher stress exponent values compared to unreinforced alloy. Similarly, apparent activation energy values for hot deformation of composites were found to be higher than that of self-diffusion in Al-Mg alloy. Tensile test data revealed that the modulus and 0.2% proof stress of composites increase with increase in volume fraction of the reinforcements. Composites containing 10%BUC showed higher ultimate tensile strength values (UTS) compared to unreinforced alloy. However, composites with 20%B4C showed lower UTS compared to that of the unreinforced alloy. This could be attributed to increased level of stress concentration and high level of plastic constraint imposed by the reinforcing jparticles or due to the presence solidification-induced defects (pores and B4C agglomerates ). Sliding wear characteristics were evaluated at a speed of 1 m/s and at loads ranging from 0.5 to 3.5kg using a pin-on-disc set up. Results show that wear resistance of Al-5%Mg increases with the addition of B4C particles. Significant improvement in wear resistance of Al-5%Mg is achieved with the addition of 20% B4C particles. SEM examination of worn surfaces showed no pull-out of reinforcing particles even at the highest load of 3.5 kg, thus confirming good interfacial bonding between dispersed B4C particles and Al alloy matrix. The neutron radiography data proved that (Al-5%Mg)-B4C composites possess good neutron absorbing characteristics. From the experimental data evaluated in the "study, it may be concluded that (Al-5%Mg)-B4C composites could be a candidate material for neutron shielding and control rod application. The enhanced elevated temperature-strength and favourable neutron absorption characteristics of these composites are strong points in favour of this material.

Vibration control requires high dynamic stiffness in mechanical structures for a reliable performance under extreme conditions. Dynamic stiffness composes the parameters of stiffness (K) and damping (η) that are usually in a trade-off relationship. This thesis study aims to break the trade-off relationship. After identifying the underlying mechanism of damping in composite materials and joint interfaces, this thesis studies the deposition technique and physical characteristics of nano-structured HDS (high dynamic stiffness) composite thick-layer coatings. The HDS composite were created by enlarging the internal grain boundary surface area through reduced grain size in nano scale (≤ 40 nm). The deposition process utilizes a PECVD (Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition) method combined with the HiPIMS (High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering) technology. The HDS composite exhibited significantly higher surface hardness and higher elastic modulus compared to Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), yet similar damping property. The HDS composites successfully realized vibration control of cutting tools while applied in their clamping interfaces. Compression preload at essential joint interfaces was found to play a major role in stability of cutting processes and a method was provided for characterizing joint interface properties directly on assembled structures. The detailed analysis of a build-up structure showed that the vibrational mode energy is shifted by varying the joint interface’s compression preload. In a build-up structure, the location shift of vibration mode’s strain energy affects the dynamic responses together with the stiffness and damping properties of joint interfaces. The thesis demonstrates that it is possible to achieve high stiffness and high damping simultaneously in materials and structures. Analysis of the vibrational strain energy distribution was found essential for the success of vibration control.

De nos jours, l'industrie microélectronique utilise des fréquences de fonctionnement plus élevées dans les composants commercialisés. Ces fréquences entraînent des températures de fonctionnement plus élevées et limitent donc l'intégrité et la durée de vie des composants électroniques. Cependant, les besoins actuels nécessitent des dispositifs miniaturisés et de haute densité de puissance. De ce fait, la dissipation thermique dans les composants microélectroniques s’avère capitale. Ainsi, des drains thermiques sont utilisés pour évacuer la chaleur produite par le fonctionnement du composant. Les drains thermiques actuels sont composés de métaux, tels que le cuivre et l’aluminium, présentant des conductivités et des coefficients de dilatation thermiques élevés. Néanmoins, les coefficients de dilatation thermique des différents matériaux présents dans un circuit peuvent induire des contraintes thermo-mécaniques aux interfaces et engendrer une défaillance des composants après plusieurs cycles de fonctionnement. Dans ce contexte, nous proposons de remplacer ces drains métalliques par un système composite à matrice cuivre renforcée par du carbone, sur lequel est déposé un diffuseur thermique sous forme de diamant. Ces composites Cu/C présentent des propriétés thermo-mécaniques adaptatives pouvant palier aux contraintes induites durant l’utilisation des composants. Le transfert optimal des propriétés dans les MMC est souvent compromis par l'absence de liaison chimique interfaciale, en particulier dans les systèmes non réactifs telsque Cu/C. Cependant, pour un assemblage thermiquement efficace, l'interface devrait permettre un bon transfert de charges thermo-mécaniques entre les matériaux. L'objectif de cette étude est de combiner les propriétés exceptionnelles du diamant et les propriétés thermo-mécaniques adaptatives des MMC. Les composites à matrice de cuivre renforcés au carbone sont synthétisés à l'aide d'un processus dit semi-liquide pour obtenir des gradients de composition et des propriétés optimisées d'interface matrice - renfort. Par conséquent, des éléments d'alliage sont insérés dans le matériau pour former des interphases de carbure à l'interface Cu/C. Le film mince de diamant est obtenu par dépôt chimique en phase vapeur assisté par laser. Cette méthode de dépôt permet d’agir sur la qualité du film ainsi que sur l’adhésion avec le substrat composite. Finalement, une importance particulière est portée à l’influence des interfaces sur les propriétés thermiques tant au sein du matériau composite (interface matrice – renfort), qu’au sein de l’assemblage film diamant – MMC.Ces travaux ont été menés dans le cadre d’un accord franco-américain de cotutelle de thèse entre l’Institut de Chimie de la Matière Condensée de l’Université de Bordeaux, en France, et le département d’Ingénierie Electrique de l’Université du Nebraska-Lincoln, aux Etats-Unis. Ils ont été financés, en France, par la Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), et par l’équivalent Américain aux Etats-Unis. / Today, the microelectronics industry uses higher functioning frequencies in commercialized components. These frequencies result in higher functioning temperatures and, therefore, limit a component’s integrity and lifetime. Until now, heat-sink materials were composed of metals which exhibit high thermal conductivities (TC). However, these metals often induce large coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatches between the heat sink and the nonmetallic components of the device. Such differences in CTEs cause thermomechanical stresses at the interfaces and result in component failure after several on/off cycles.To overcome this issue, we suggest replacing the metallic heat sink materials with a heat-spreader (diamond film) deposited on metal matrix composites (MMCs), specifically, carbon-reinforced copper matrices (Cu/C) which exhibit optimized thermomechanical properties. However, proper transfer of properties in MMCs is often compromised by the absence of effective interfaces, especially in nonreactive systems such as Cu/C. Therefore, the creation of a chemical bond is ever more relevant. The goal of this research was to combine the exceptional properties of diamond by means of a thin film and the adaptive thermomechanical properties of MMCs. Carbon-reinforced copper matrix composites were synthesized using an innovative solid-liquid coexistent phase process to achieve designed composition gradients and optimized matrix/reinforcement interface properties. In addition, the lack of chemical affinitybetween Cu and C results in poor thermal efficiency of the composites. Therefore, alloying elements were inserted into the material to form carbide interphases at the Cu/C interface. Their addition enabled the composite’s integrity to be optimized in order to obtain thermally efficient assemblies. The diamond, in the form of a thin layer, was obtained by laser-assisted chemical vapor deposition. This process allowed action on the film’s phase purity and adhesion to the substrate material. Of particular importance was the influence of the interfaces on thermal properties both within the composite material (matrix-reinforcement interface) and within the diamond film-MMC assembly. This work was carried out within the framework of a Franco-American agreement between the Institute of Condensed Matter Chemistry of the University of Bordeaux in France and the Department of Electrical Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, in the United States. Funding, in France, was provided by the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), and by the American equivalent in the United States.

Este trabalho versa sobre a inspeção fratográfica por Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) e a análise micro-química por Energia Dispersiva de Raios-X de superfícies de fratura de um compósito particulado de matriz metálica (CMM = liga AA356 + SiC) manufaturado por compofundição e submetido a diferentes classes de ensaios mecânicos, a saber, impacto Charpy, flexão quase-estática e fadiga fletiva. A fratografia por MEV em modo de imageamento por elétrons secundários se mostrou uma poderosa ferramenta na análise dos aspectos topográficos de CMM particulados fraturados, que se relaciona diretamente ao aporte de energia (ou ao nível de tensão desenvolvido) para a criação da superfície de fratura, independentemente do tipo de solicitação mecânica aplicada. Mecanismos de tenacificação em CMM, tais como descolamento, trincamento e arrancamento de partículas de SiC da matriz metálica AA356 foram prontamente identificados e documentados por esta modalidade MEV, e correlacionados ao desempenho mecânico dos materiais investigados. Aglomeração de partículas de SiC, assim como a presença de poros e/ou vazios se revelaram freqüentemente como variáveis determinantes do desempenho mecânico do CMM em ensaios dinâmicos, quase-estáticos e cíclicos. MEV em modo de imageamento por elétrons retro-espalhados se mostrou extremamente útil na identificação de partículas de SiC aflorando em superfícies de fratura do CMM quando o emprego de elétrons secundários não foi bem sucedido na tarefa. Micro-análise química por EDS permitiu o mapeamento dos elementos Fe e Cr, além de Mn, e possibilitou classificá-los como formadores de precipitados potencialmente fragilizantes do CMM. Esta técnica também assegurou a identificação de reticulados ricos em Si ao redor dos glóbulos de fase pró-eutética (alfa), os quais (reticulados) são altamente favorecedores de fraturas intergranulares. / This work focuses on the fractographic inspection by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and micro-chemical analysis by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS) of fractured surfaces of a compocast particulate metal matrix composite (MMC = AA356 alloy + SiC) subjected to different classes of mechanical testing, namely, Charpy impact, quasi-static flexure and flexural fatigue. SEM fractography in secondary electron imaging mode has shown to be a powerful tool in analyzing topographic aspects of fractured particulate MMC, which are straightforwardly related to the energy apportion (or the developed stress level) to the fracture surface creation, regardless the applied mechanical loading type. Toughening mechanisms for MMC, such as SiC particle debonding, cracking and pulling-out from the metallic matrix AA356 alloy were promptly identified and documented through this SEM modality, and correlated to the mechanical performance of investigated materials. SiC particle clusters as well as pore and/or void presence were very often discovered as the main controlling variables of mechanical performance of MMC during dynamic, quasi-static and cyclic testing. SEM fractography in backscatted electron imaging mode has shown to be extremely useful on the identification of SiC particles emerging from fractured surfaces of MMC when secondary electron mode did not succeed in this task. EDS micro-chemical analysis allowed to map Fe and Cr, besides Mn, and permitted to classify them as potentially MMC-embrittling precipitated forming elements. This technique also assured the identification of Si-rich reticulated structure around pro-eutectic phase globules, which (reticulated structure) highly favors intergranular fracture.