High-strength discontinuously-reinforced titanium matrix composites and method for manufacturing the same

摘要

The invention relates to manufacturing the flat or shaped titanium matrix composite articles having improved mechanical properties such as lightweight plates, sheets for aircraft and automotive applications, heat-sinking lightweight electronic substrates, armor plates, etc. High-strength discontinuously-reinforced titanium metal matrix composite (TMMC) comprises (a) titanium matrix or titanium alloy as a major component, (b) ceramic and/or ≦50 vol. % intermetallic hard particles dispersed in matrix, (c) complex carbide- and/or boride particles at least partially soluble in matrix at sintering or forging temperatures such as ≦50 vol. % AlV₂C, AlTi₂Si₃, AlTi₆Si₃, VB₂, TiVSi₂, TiVB₄, Ti₂AlC, AlCr₂C, TiAlV₂, V₂C, VSi₂, Ta₃B₄, NbTiB₄, Al₃U₂C₃ dispersed in matrix. Method for manufacturing these TMMC materials is disclosed. Sintered TMMC density exceeds 98% and closed discontinuous porosity allows performing hot deformation in air without encapsulating. Near-full density near-net shape TMMC parts with acceptable mechanical properties were manufactured without hot deformation.