An effective strategy towards construction of CVD SiC fiber-reinforced superalloy matrix composite

Abstract In this work, a modified approach for preparing CVD SiC fiber-reinforced superalloy matrix composites was rationally developed. The composites were fabricated by vacuum hot pressing (VHP) process using precursor wires coated with (Al + Al2O3) diffusion barrier layers and GH4169 superalloy coatings. BNi-7 brazing filler metals were introduced on the surface of precursor wires in order to decrease the temperature of the VHP process. It was found that the VHP temperature was reduced by about 100 °C, and the melting, diffusion, nucleation and growth processes of BNi-7 fillers at 900 °C motivated the recrystallization and plastic flow of the matrix under the increasing pressure, thereby a compact composite composed of intact SiC fibers and fine equiaxial grain structure superalloy matrix was achieved. Meanwhile, the elements were distributed homogeneously among the fibers in the composite and no interfacial reactions occurred. This method provides a new insight for designing and manufacturing high-quality composites in practical engineering.