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.