Powder route processing of carbon fibres reinforced titanium matrix composites

Titanium matrix composites reinforced by continuous carbon fibres were prepared, using powder metallurgy and for part, techniques derived from ceramic and polymer matrix composites processing methods. Major difficulties encountered during fibres/matrix coupling and composites consolidation, were overcome through specific studies related to preparation of fine titanium powder, impregnation of carbon fibre yarns by a slurry containing matrix powder in a viscous transfer fluid made of polymeric binder in solvent, thermal elimination of binder, as well as mechanisms of consolidation and densification of titanium matrix under pressure and moderately high temperature.