Processing of Boron Fiber Reinforced Ti-15V-3Cr-3Al-3Sn Alloy Matrix Composites by Pulsed Current Hot Pressing (PCHP)

Abstract

Boron fiber reinforced Ti-15V-3Cr-3Al-3Sn alloy matrix composites were fabricated by a pulsed current hot pressing (PCHP) process at various processing conditions at a pressure of 32MPa in vacuum of 2Pa. Good bonding between the fiber and matrix was obtained by PCHP at 1123K for the holding time between 150s and 450s. When fabricated at the holding temperature at 1173K, the crystallization of boron in the vicinity of tungsten core in the fiber occurred. Tensile tests were carried out at room temperature for the composites fabricated by PCHP at 1123K for 300s. The yield stress of the composites containing 22.0 vol.% boron fiber attained at 1125MPa. This value was about 80% of the yield stress calculated by rule of mixture.