Abstract: A new approach to control the interfacial states and properties of SiCp/Al composites has been attempted. The controlling effect of the interface has been systemically evaluated by using acoustic emission (AE) detection technique and novel wavelet analysis method of AE signals for the first time. The results show that the initial use of the above new method for controlling interface leads to a dramatic transition of SiC particulate pulling out mode during the process of damage or fracture of SiCp/Al composites, which in turn significantly improves the overall mechanical properties of SiCp/Al composites. Wavelet analysis of AE signals promises to be developed as an effective means to reflect interface zone mechanical behaviour and evaluate interface properties of particle reinforced MMCs. As a result, the new signal processing method is specially suitable for extracting the intrinsic features of AE signals produced by the fracture behavior of this class of composites.

Key words: SiCp/A l compo sites, interfacial cont ro l, interfacial p roperty, A E, w avelet analysis