In situ (TiBw + TiCp)/Ti6Al4V composites with a network reinforcement distribution

Hybrid TiB whiskers (TiBw) and TiC particles (TiCp) reinforced Ti6Al4V matrix composites (TiBw + TiCp)/Ti64 (TiB:TiC = 1:1) with a novel network reinforcement distribution were successfully fabricated by in situ reaction hot pressing (RHP). TiBw and TiCp are in situ synthesized around the as-received Ti64 particles, and subsequently formed into a TiBw and TiCp hybrid network structure. In this reinforcement network structure, TiB whiskers act like dowel connectors that join the neighbouring Ti64 matrix particles. The existence of TiC particles increases the local volume fraction and continuity of reinforcement in the boundary region which contributes positively to the strength and elastic modulus of the composites. The in situ synthesized (TiBw + TiCp)/Ti64 composites exhibit superior mechanical properties without any subsequent processing such as extrusion, which indicates that the strengthening effect of reinforcements and the toughness of the Ti64 matrix can be better exploited through this novel network structure.