Carbon–Titanium Composite Material with Copper Coated Fiber: The Structure and Mechanical Properties

The paper sets forth the basics of laboratory technology for producing a composite material with the matrix based on the VT16 alloy (Ti–Al–Mo–V) and with composite reinforcing layers using UMT49-12K-EP carbon fibers. The reinforcing layers are formed by impregnating the carbon fiber with a relatively fusible Ti–Cu eutectic formed at the interface of titanium and copper that coats the carbon fiber. The structure and mechanical properties of the composite such as strength, modulus of elasticity in bending, and fracture toughness have been investigated. The mean bending strength value is 1729 MPa (maximum 1916 MPa), Young’s modulus is 136.3 GPa (maximum 167.1 GPa), and the critical stress intensity factor is 40.1 MPa m1/2 (maximum 45.1 MPa m1/2). Improvements in the processes of copper coating on carbon fibers and fiber layup will allow to avoid scattering of mechanical properties of carbon-titanium composite.