Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 February 2011
The tensile properties of a powder processed intermetallic matrix composite (IMC) and a similarly processed matrix alloy were investigated in the temperature range 298–1273K. The matrix alloy utilized in the study was the advanced nickel-aluminide IC-221 (Ni-16Al-8Cr-1Zr-0.05B). The composites contained 25 vol% TiC particulate reinforcement. The specific modulus of the composites was 20–30% higher than that of typical Ni-base superalloys. The yield strength of the composites were 10–20% greater than that of the matrix at all test temperatures. However, the composites exhibited lower ductility than the matrix. SEM fractography revealed that tensile failure occurred at the matrix/particulate interface. However, remnants of the matrix was observed on TiC particles on the fracture surface, suggesting good matrix/particle bonding. The strengths of the composites were very competitive with Ni-base superalloys.