Microstructure and interfacial strength of SiC fiber-reinforced Ti17 alloy composites with different consolidation temperatures

The interfacial reaction and titanium matrix microstructure in continuous SiC fiber-reinforced titanium matrix composite were investigated. By comparison of two samples actuated by 800 °C (in α + β dual-phase field) and 920 °C (in β single-phase field) consolidation, it can be concluded that tri-layer interfacial reaction regions consisting of fine TiC_x/transition TiC_x/coarse TiC_x are formed in both two samples. In addition, the total thickness of reaction layer for composites prepared at 920 °C is thicker than that consolidated at 800 °C, while fine TiC_x layer of 920 °C sample is thinner than that of 800 °C sample, which may be ascribed to the quick growth of PVD-Ti17 grain manufactured at 920 °C. In addition, lower interfacial shear strength is obtained in 920 °C sample, which can be ascribed to the formation of too thick brittle TiC layer. The research in the work is expected to motivate further exploration for interface adjustment of titanium matrix composites.