Factors Affecting Longitudinal Tensile Strength of SiC/Ti-Al-V Composites Manufactured by Plasma Spraying

In this study, multi-ply SiC fiber reinforced Ti-6Al-4V composites have been manufactured by plasma spraying and subsequent vacuum hot pressing. Two different sizes of Ti-6Al-4V feedstock powders were used for plasma spraying to form matrix. A considerable amount of oxygen was incorporated into as-sprayed Ti matrix during plasma spraying, and consequently caused matrix embrittlement. The use of coarse-sized feedstock powder reduced oxygen contamination, but tended to increase fiber spacing irregularity and fiber strength degradation. Longitudinal tensile strength and ductility of the composites were mainly affected by the matrix oxygen content.