Titanium matrix reinforced composites produced by hot pressing of plasma-sprayed preforms

The present work is focused on the fabrication of long fibre reinforced titanium composites by hot pressing of plasma-sprayed preforms. Thermal spraying of two different metallic matrices [Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo-0.08Si (Ti6242S) and Ti-4.5Al-3V-2Mo-2Fe (SP700)] onto prearranged silicon carbide long fibres was performed using controlled-atmosphere plasma spraying equipment (CAPS), allowing deposition processes also in the high-pressure range. After optimization of the plasma spraying procedure, composite multilayers were fabricated by hot pressing at 1200 bar with different combinations of process parameters (temperature in the range 850-940degreesC, and application time from 30 to 45 min). Consolidated samples were characterized by microstructural investigation and tensile testing at room and high temperature (up to 600degreesC). Push-out and push-back tests were performed to investigate interfacial properties.