Advances in the fabrication of titanium based composites

Titanium alloy metal matrix composites reinforced with silicon carbide fibre are being evaluated for a range of highly loaded aerospace applications. Although expensive, if used selectively they can have a dramatic effect on performance and weight. The SMC has one of the strongest capabilities in Europe for the development and production of titanium fibre reinforced MMCs. Consisting of the DRA Sigma silicon carbide fibre manufacturing facility, producing fibre on a commercial basis, and the manufacture of titanium alloy MMCs in commercial quantities by the foil fibre route, and at pilot scale using the alternative matrix coated fibre route. In the foil fibre route a filament winding and fugitive binder method is used to produce a range of component shapes with excellent fibre distribution and consistent properties. The matrix coated fibre process is seen to have advantages over the alternative methods and is likely to become an important manufacturing route for titanium MMCs, particularly for exotic high temperature titanium alloys and intermetallics, and for shapes such as rings, tubes and shafts. As no titanium MMCs components have yet reached full production, it is unclear which of these fabrication methods will become commercially viable, if any. But, the choice is likely to be based on cost, availability and product quality.