Mechanical Properties of Interface Layers in SiC/TiAl Composite

Abstract

Although metal matrix composites (MMC) for the high temperature structural material have been investigated extensively for many years, applications of MMC have been still limited. Among many combinations between the ceramic fibers and the matrix materials, combination of SiC fiber and TiAl based intermetallic compounds has been expected to be one of the best combination, since both SiC fiber and TiAl have demonstrated the capabilities of the low density heat resistant materials. SiC fiber reinforced TiAl composites have been successfully fabricated using hot press method. Optimum temperature and pressure have been determined. SiC/TiAl composite having relatively low fiber volume fraction shows nearly an ideal elastic property applying the law of mixture. Effects of interface layers on the mechanical properties of composites have been studied in detail. Micro-indentation on a single fiber was carried out to examine the pull out strength of SiC fiber quantitatively. Estimated shear stress on the interface was 145-195MPa, those values are quite reasonable since the tensile strength of TiAl matrix was 420MPa and the maximum shear stress would be the half of tensile strength according to Schmid law. Three-point bending tests have been carried out to evaluate the mechanical properties of composites. Fiber volume fraction 8.9% specimen shows ideal bending stiffness compare with the calculated values based on the low of mixture. Reaction layers and the interface between SiC fiber and TiAl have been analyzed by SEM-EDS and XRD. At least two or more reaction layers have been identified. These reaction layers can be explained based on the Si-Ti-C ternary equilibrium phase diagram at 1373K. Optimum conditions of interface structure will be discussed