PROCESSING SIC-PARTICULATE REINFORCED TITANIUM-BASED METAL-MATRIX COMPOSITES BY SHOCK-WAVE CONSOLIDATION

SiC particulate reinforced titanium matrix composites have been proces sed by shock wave consolidation. These materials are difficult to prod uce using traditional methods because of the high reactivity of titani um with most reinforcement materials. However, using shock consolidati on, fully dense composite compacts that are free from interfacial reac tions and macroscopic cracks have been obtained. Process variables (st arting powder size, dispersion of SiC particles, chemical impurity lev el, and pre-compaction degassing and heat treatment) have been investi gated. Proper post-consolidation annealing has also been explored to i mprove impurity segregation and, thus, the ductility of the matrix. Su bsequent heat treatments of the composites produce controlled interfac ial reaction zones sizes. The processed materials are ideal for studyi ng effects of interfacial properties on the mechanical behavior of par ticulate reinforced metal matrix composites.