Method for strengthening boron filaments for use in forming filamentary composites

摘要

Boron filaments are laid out linearly, either vertically or horizontally, and held at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time. The filaments are also preferably exposed to a gas or gaseous mixture including nitrogen. The heating in the manner described stress-relieves the filaments, while the exposure to the gas heals defects in the surface thereof, substantially improving the tensile strength and variability in strength of the filament.