State of fibre reinforced titanium matrix composites in Europe and Germany

Abstract

Titanium alloys continuously reinforced by SiC fibres are marked by high specific strength and stiffness. Since they are offering service temperatures up to 600°C and even more for intermetallic alloys titanium matrix composites are intended not only for aeroengine applications but also for structural parts in the aerospace sector. In the past 20 years several processing routes have been developed. Material with highest quality can be produced by the matrix coated fibre route using nearly any matrix alloy. This process has reached a high level of development. Ultimate tensile strengths of more than 2000 MPa can be reached. The process and applications will be presented as well as introduction to the most important properties of titanium matrix composites. An overview of recent developments in France and UK will be given. Since the process used is very costly attempts are in progress to improve the affordability. This may be reached by optimisation of matrix properties to reduce the fibre volume content thus the costs or by new processing routes. New processes are aiming at maintaining the excellent properties along with reduced processing steps. Possible solutions will be presented.