United States of America As Represented by the Secretary of the Air Force

Paul R Smith

Daniel Eylon

Francis H Froes

The fracture resistance of titanium alloy matrix composites is increased by one of two methods. One method comprises the steps of consolidating a titanium alloy-fiber preform under suitable conditions to provide a metal matrix composite and thermally treating the thus-prepared composite at a temperature above the beta-transus temperature of the alloy for a brief time. In the second method, a composite having increased fracture resistance is produced by consolidating an alloy-fiber preform at a temperature above the normal consolidation temperature for a time less than the normal consolidation time.

Method for increasing the fracture resistance of titanium composites

A method to increase the fracture resistance of titanium alloy matrix composites which comprises thermally treating a composite at a temperature about 5 to 10% above the beta-transus temperature of the alloy for about 4 to 60 minutes.

Post-consolidation method for increasing the fracture resistance of

Titanium alloy composites having substantially reduced reaction zones are provided which comprise a high strength/high stiffness filament such as silicon carbide, silicon carbide-coated boron, boron carbide-coated boron and silicon-coated silicon carbide, embedded in a fine-grained titanium alloy containing at least 40 percent beta phase, less than 7 percent Al and having a beta-transus temperature below 1750.degree. F. (955.degree. C.). Also provided is a method for fabricating titanium composites which comprises mechanically working a desired titanium alloy to obtain sheetstock in a desired thickness and having a relatively fine grain size, laying up a preform and consolidating the preform under increased temperature and pressure, wherein consolidation is carried out at a temperature below the beta-transus temperature of the alloy, thereby reducing the amount of reaction zone between the filament and the alloy matrix.

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Springboro, OH, United States of America

Paul R Smith