A study of reaction processes in SiC fiber reinforced Ni-Fe matrix composite during HIP

ABSTRACT

Binary Ni-Fe metal matrix composite containing continuous W-core SiC fibers was fabricated by hot isostatic pressing (HIP) method to study the interface reaction processes. Interfacial reaction products were analyzed via field emission scanning electron microscope, electron probe microanalysis and micro-zone X-ray diffractometer. The results indicate that the reactions are so dramatical that even W core can decompose during the HIP process. The whole reaction processes of W-core SiC fiber can be divided into four stages. In stage 1, SiC starts to react with metal matrix to form Ni silicides with dissolved Fe element, graphite and Kirkendall void zone. In stage 2, SiC decomposes further and W core is exposed, then W core participates in reactions. In stage 3, SiC reacts completely, W core further reacts. In stage 4, W core decomposes completely and transform to be steady WC particles, which means the whole processes terminate. A model to clarify the mechanism of the reaction processes is proposed.

Graphical abstract

KEYWORDS:

• SiC fiber
• composite
• superalloy
• hot isostatic pressing
• interfacial reaction process

Acknowledgments

The authors appreciate the financial support from the National Key Laboratory of Advanced High-Temperature Materials open fund and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No. FRF-TP-19-038A2).

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Key Laboratory of Advanced High-Temperature Materials open fund and Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No. FRF-TP-19-038A2).