THE YOUNG MODULI OF IN-SITU TI TIB COMPOSITES OBTAINED BY RAPID SOLIDIFICATION PROCESSING/

In situ Ti/TiB composites (Ti-6Al-4V matrix reinforced with TiB phase) with different volume fractions of the TiB phase, have been produced by consolidation of rapidly solidified Ti-6Al-4V alloys with different levels of boron addition. The microstructural examination of such com posites shows that the reinforcing phase has a fine grain size and a u niform distribution throughout the matrix. The Young's moduli of the i n situ composites have been determined experimentally to study the str engthening effect of the TiB phase. It was found that the Young's modu lus of an in situ composite with 10 vol % TiB phase can be increased t o 140 GPa, compared to 116.7 GPa for the matrix alloy. The theoretical predictions are in good agreement with the present experimental resul ts and other results of similar composites obtained by the reactive si ntering technique.