STUDIES OF THE REINFORCEMENT OF METALS WITH ULTRA HIGH STRENGTH FIBERS

Abstract : Reinforced composites of Nichrome V and corundum fiber have shown tensile values from 250,000 to 300,000 psi, 25 to 50% INCREASE OVER BLANK CONTROLS. A method for incorpor ting fiber in the metal matrix by melting, using CaCl2 as a flux, was devised. This technique has produced reinforcement and is ore easily controlled tha the sintering process heretofore used. The effect of water vapor in the hydrogen atmosphere used for sintering was profound: with a dew poi t of 50 F, the samples cracked in rolling and were useless. Evaluation of all sintering data indicated that, although reinforcement could be achieved, the process was difficult to control, and led to data having excessive variability. This variation was lleviated to some extent by the use of the fusion metho . It is significant to note, however, that hen reinforcement was achieved on an unequivocal basis, the degree of rein orcement matched theoretical expectations. (Author)