ABSTRACT
The feasibility of refractory wire reinforcement was initially demonstrated. The composites combine the high strength of the refractory metal fibers with the oxidation resistance of superalloy matrices for possible improved turbine materials. Composites were prepared by liquid infiltration of bundles of axially aligned tungsten wires in a ceramic tube with molten copper. For reinforcing phases of high density such as refractory metal wires represent, the major interest is expected to be in high temperature reinforcement. Increasing the vol % of tungsten in the copper matrix indicated that the strength of both continuous and discontinuous fiber composites varied directly with the volume of the reinforcement. At higher temperatures for such applications as the reinforcement of super alloy matrices, the properties of tungsten become attractive despite the high density. The strengths of the resultant composites requires considering work-hardening of both the matrix and the filament. Nonetheless, they have attributed significance to the increased axial tensile strengths.
