Fabrication of W-1%ThO2 Reinforced Fe-25Cr-8Al-0.5Y Superalloy Matrix Composite

Four different aligned W-1%ThO2 reinforced Fe-25Cr-8Al-0.5Y matrix fiber reinforced superalloy [FRS] material billets were produced by powder metallurgical processing. Three materials differed only in reinforcing fiber aspect ratio, while one material included a small diameter, misoriented Al2O3 hybrid reinforcement. Tensile and thermal cycling specimens were fabricated from the composite billets by using abrasive waterjet and turning processes. Finally the specimens were protected from high temperature oxidation by a FeCrAlY thermal spray coating. Metallurgical and mechanical properties were evaluated and discussed.