STRUCTURE AND BEHAVIOR OF METAL CERAMIC INTERFACES IN TI ALLOY SIC METAL-MATRIX COMPOSITES/

The structure and mechanical behavior of the fiber/matrix interface in Ti alloy/SCS-6 SiC metal matrix composites were studied. In these com posites the interface region consists of a fiber-coating region and a metal reaction zone between the SiC fiber body and the metal matrix. T he fiber coating consists of a number of zones or layers which are com prised of cubic SiC particles in a turbostratic carbon matrix. Some am biguity remains, concerning the number of distinct layers and the size , shape, and density of the SiC particles. The effect of composite fab rication and heat treatment on the coating structure is relatively sma ll. Studies of the metal reaction zone adjacent to the fiber in Ti all oy/SCS-6 SiC MMC's have shown that a number of discrete zones or layer s form. Nearest the fiber, a zone of cubic TiC occurs, with increasing grain size with distance from the fiber. Nearest the metal matrix, a zone of Ti5Si3 forms. In high Al content alloys, an intermediate zone forms that consists of Ti2AlC or Ti3AlC. The fiber/matrix interface pl ays an important role during transverse tensile loading of these compo sites. The tensile behavior is controlled by debonding at the interfac e, followed by deformation of the matrix ligaments. Replica observatio ns show that the debonding initiates and propagates within the coating layers, but is not confined to a single layer interface.