INVESTIGATION OF A CU-20 MASS-PERCENT NB IN-SITU COMPOSITE .1. FABRICATION, MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES

Fiber reinforced in situ metal matrix composites (MMCs) consisting of Cu and 20 mass% Nb were fabricated by large strain cold rolling and wi re drawing of a cast ingot. The microstructural evolution of the compo sites was investigated by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of the MMCs were discussed on th e basis of the microstructural changes during deformation. The results substantiate that the volume density of internal boundaries and the f ilament spacing have considerable influence on the strength of Cu-20 m ass% Nb. The evolution of the strength during deformation was simulate d by application of analytical approaches which incorporate experiment al data. The results reveal a very good correspondence to the behavior observed. On the basis of the current findings potential industrial a pplications are discussed.