Abstract:Ultramicrohardness technique has been used to test the mechanical properties in the microzone of metal matrix composites. It is found that the ultramicrohardness can effectively reflect the variation of mechanical properties at the interface and the mechanical properties distribute unevenly in its microzone. It was also found that the mechanical properties in the microzone, as well as the macroscopic properties, are influenced by the distribution of fibers, the manufacture process and the heat treatment.

Key words: ultramicrohardness　interface　metal matrix composites　residual stress