COMPOSITE GROWTH IN HYPERMONOTECTIC ALLOYS

The feasibility of solidifying uniformly aligned composites from alloys of hypermonotectic composition was investigated through the use of organic analogues and a directional solidification temperature gradient stage. Previously demonstrated macrostructurally detrimental effects due to coalescence and/or preferential wetting (or lack of) by the excess L(II) phase have been taken advantage of by the inclusion of constrained fibers aligned parallel to the growth direction. Upon passing through the miscibility gap, L(II) droplets are shown to attach and grow along the fibers prior to the monotectic reaction, resulting in a uniform composite. The results of different fiber materials in combination with "wetting" and "nonwetting" miscibility gap systems are presented and discussed in reference to processing in a microgravity environment.