Effects of Cr and Al Contents on the Preparation of SiC Fiber-Reinforced NiCrAl Alloy Matrix Composite

In this work, the effects of Cr and Al contents on the preparation of SiC fiber-reinforced NiCrAl alloy matrix composites (SiCf/Ni–20Cr–5Al, SiCf/Ni–15Cr–5Al, SiCf/Ni–10Cr–5Al and SiCf/Ni–10Cr–3Al) were thoroughly discussed. The composites were prepared by vacuum hot pressing process using matrix-coated fibers. It was found that Cr solute atoms played a significant role in retarding the recrystallization of NiCrAl alloy matrix, and the Al elements in the form of γ′-Ni3Al phase had a suppression effect on the plastic flow of the matrix. Therefore, the reduction in Cr and Al contents was conductive to the recrystallization and plastic flow of NiCrAl alloy matrix, thereby reduced the size and number of micro-voids in the composite. In addition, this work provides some guidance for designing and manufacturing reasonable SiC fiber-reinforced Ni alloy matrix composites.