CONTROL OF THE REACTION AT THE FIBER-MATRIX INTERFACE IN A CU SIC METAL-MATRIX COMPOSITE BY MODIFYING THE MATRIX WITH 2.5WT-PERCENT-FE/

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) of Cu/SiC can be produced directly by h ot isostatic pressing (HIP) by eliminating the reaction at the fibre-m atrix interface via small additions of Fe. No further heal treatment i s required if the HIP is performed at about 925 K for approximately 7. 2 x 10(3) s at a pressure of 100 MPa. The interface resulting from the application of the processing technique is almost perfect. Without Fe addition a reaction at the fibre-matrix interface was observed, despi te the high temperatures and extended times used. The effect of high t emperatures on the quality of the interface has been investigated and it seems that an MMC based on Cu/SiC alloyed with Fe can be exposed in use to the temperature range 870-1135 K. Exposure of the Cu/Fe/SiC co mposite for extended times at 1135 K or above is detrimental because o f interface reactions.