In metal matrix composites the nature of the reinforcement can influence the
development of residual stresses not only as a result of the mismatch in the
thermal expansion coefficient between the fiber and the matrix but also
caused by the interface of the materials during the processing cycles. The
residual stress can be minimized through controlling the processing path and
the thermal environment. We studied the residual stress formation and
evolution in gamma titanium aluminide (Ti-47AL-2Ta) matrix. The matrix was
reinforced with three different types of fibers: Alumina, Sapphikon, and
Tiboride through hot isostatic pressing. The composite was heat treated for
various combinations of time: 100, 200 and 500 hours; and temperature:
590C, 815C and 982 C respectively.
Residual stresses were measured in the gamma phase of the matrix using X-Ray
diffraction