A REVIEW ON PARTICULATE-REINFORCED TITANIUM MATRIX COMPOSITES

The current status of particulate-reinforced titanium matrix composite s is reviewed. The different types of reinforcements being used, toget her with the alternative processing routes, are described. The mechani cal properties of these composites are influenced by a wide range of f actors. Particulate reinforcements can affect properties by enhancing modulus and strength or by refining the grain size. Mechanical propert ies such as elastic modulus, low and high temperature strength, fractu re toughness and compressive creep are discussed as functions of reinf orcement size/shape and volume fraction. The review concludes by under lining the importance of further research in some critical areas to fu lly realise the industrial potential of these composites.