Survey of Eutectic Systems as Potential Intermetallic Matrix Composites for High Temperature Application

Abstract

AbstractThe lack of low-temperature damage tolerance along with the desire to achieve lower densities and higher creep strengths over monolithic intermetallic materials, has sparked significant interest in the research community for the development of an intermetallic matrix composite suitable for high temperature structural applications. Eutectic systems are desirable as composites due to the inherent thermodynamic stability between matrix and reinforcement. It also allows the opportunity of controlling the microstructure by control of solidification conditions. This paper presents a qualitative examination of the toughness behavior of the Cr-Cr2Zr, Cr-Cr2Hf, Cr-Cr2Ta, Cr-Cr3Si, Ta-Cr2Ta, and Ta-Ta5Si eutectics. The evaluation is based on microcracking from microhardness indentations and fracture appearance. Relative oxidation resistance at 800°C and 1200°C is also presented.