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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 February 2011
An overview of the application of the reactive hot compaction (RHC) process to fabricate various intermetallics such as silicides and aluminides is presented. Specific examples with the in-situ formation of diffusion barrier coatings on refractory metal reinforcements during RHC are also given. The processing involves blending the elemental powders with pre-treated refractory metal filaments and reactively synthesizing the mixture at elevated temperatures. During this process, the treated surfaces of the filaments react with one of the components (e.g. Al for aluminides or Si for silicides) to form in-situ a protective surface coating. The important influence of the RHC reaction sequence and rate on the consolidation of the composite are discussed. Finally, the fracture toughness of the composites are related to the various toughening mechanisms, with special emphasis on the role of the interfacial layer.