Microstructure of Al2O3 fiber-reinforced superalloy (INCONEL 718) composites

S. Nourbakhsh, O. Sahin, W. H. Rhee, H. Margolin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Composites of INCONEL 718 alloy reinforced with either single-crystal (SAPHIKON) or polycrystalline (Du Pont's FP) Al2O3 fiber were fabricated by pressure casting. Optical and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the microstrucrure of the composites and to determine the nature of the fiber/matrix reaction. The widely dispersed fibers in the SAPHIKON-fiber-reinforced composite had no influence on the solidification of the matrix. Six phases, γ-Ni3Al, γ″-Ni3Nb, δ-Ni3Nb, TiC, NbC, and Laves, were present in the matrix of the composite. The last three phases were formed during solidification and the others precipitated during subsequent cooling. The high density of fibers in the FP-fiber-reinforced composite led to a more uniform microstructure within the matrix. Only three phases, γ-Ni3Nb, NbC, and Laves, were identified. Diffusion of Ti into the Al2O3 fiber resulted in preferential grain growth in the FP fiber in areas adjacent to the fiber/matrix interface. The fiber/matrix bond strength in shear in the SAPHIKON-fiber-reinforced composite was in excess of 150 MPa.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)451-458
Number of pages8
JournalMetallurgical and Materials Transactions A: Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science
Volume27
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1996

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Metals and Alloys

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