Aluminum-fiber composites containing intermetallic phase at the matrix-fiber interface

A solid aluminum-fiber composite comprising:

• (i) an aluminum alloy matrix comprising elemental aluminum and copper, wherein the copper is present in the aluminum alloy matrix in an amount of 2-10 wt %;
• (ii) fibers embedded within said aluminum alloy matrix, wherein said fibers have a different composition than said aluminum alloy matrix and impart additional strength to said aluminum alloy matrix as compared to said aluminum alloy matrix in the absence of said fibers embedded therein;
• and
• (iii) an intermetallic layer present as an interface between each of said fibers and the aluminum alloy matrix, wherein said intermetallic layer comprises intermetallic compounds containing aluminum, copper, and a lanthanide element and has a composition different from said aluminum alloy matrix and said fibers and wherein the intermetallic layer includes anchoring interfacial precipitates;
• wherein said aluminum fiber composite is produced by a process in which the aluminum alloy matrix and fibers are combined and subjected to a pressure of at least 50 bar.