THERMAL-PROPERTIES OF TI-SIC-REINFORCED AND TI-TIB2-REINFORCED COMPOSITES

Thermal conductivity data are presented for titanium-based composites reinforced with 10 and 20%, by volume, of SiC and TiB2 particles and f or a composite reinforced by 10%, by volume, of SiC short fibers. In e ach case the thermal conductivity of titanium would be expected to be enhanced by the presence of the reinforcement. Measurements were made on the composites both as fabricated and after heat treatment. The res ults clearly show that the thermal conductivity of the Ti-SiC is much lower than predicted and decreases still further after heat treatment. This is attributed to the production of an interfacial contact resist ance as a result of crack generation in the reaction products. A small er effect is noted in the Ti-TiB2 composites.