Continuous fibre reinforced titanium and aluminium composites: a comparison

Continuous fibre reinforced metal matrix composites are potential candidate s for advanced aerospace systems due to the ever-increasing performance req uirements. This paper surveys the processing routes and mechanical properti es of unidirectionally reinforced titanium-based (Ti-MMCs) and aluminium-ba sed (Al-MMCs) composites. Due to the high melting point of titanium and its strong chemical reactivity, Ti-MMCs are processed via solid state routes a nd large diameter fibres are employed. Unlike Ti-MMCs, the low melting poin t of aluminium enables the fabrication of Al-MMCs via liquid routes and sma ll diameter fibres can be used. The mechanical properties of recently devel oped Ti-MMCs and Al-MMCs are compared; the influence of the temperature and the loading direction are highlighted. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.