Metal matrix composites produced from yttrium based or high yttrium content alloys

Abstract

Abstract This paper surveys the author's production of metal matrix composite from yttrium or high yttrium content alloys. Composite materials have been produced by directional solidification and/or cooling in the yttrium—oxygen system. Additionally, metal—metal matrix composites were produced by deformation processing. These materials have been produced in the yttrium—titanium system and in the yttrium—niobium system are analogous to those formed in copper—niobium alloys. Here a precursor alloy is cold worked such that both phases co-deform. This produces a fine filamentary reinforcing phase within a continuous matrix phase. Both methods produce materials with interesting microstructures and possible new methods for the production of structural materials from yttrium, scandium or the other rare earth metals.