Abstract: A composite part consisting of a metallic matrix and reinforcing fibers is fabricated by the simultaneous winding of the fiber and plasma spraying of the matrix onto a rotating mandrel, wherein an axi-symmetric part is produced with multiple layers of the fibers aligned in the circumferential direction. Single or multiple fiber strands are wound onto a mandrel and simultaneously sprayed with the heated powder matrix material using a thermal spray process. Rotation and translation of the mandrel produces an axi-symmetric composite part. The content of the fiber material in the plasma sprayed matrix is typically up to 40% by volume. The light-weight composite part is produced in a single processing step. The part may be used either directly, or as an insert in other components with or without further densification.

Abstract: A method for producing fine-grained lamellar microstructures in powder metallurgy (P/M) and wrought gamma titanium aluminides comprises the steps of: (a) a cyclic heat treatment at a maximum temperature in the range of about 10.degree. C. above to about 10.degree. C. below the alpha-transus temperature (T.sub..alpha.) of the alloy, and (b) a secondary heat treatment of thus cyclically heat treated alloy at a temperature between 750.degree. C. and 1050.degree. C. for 4 to 100 hours. For cast gamma alloys, the method comprises additionally the step of a solution treatment at a temperature in the range of about 30.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. above T.sub..alpha. followed by a water or an oil quench before the two steps described above. The alloys with the resulting fine-grained lamellar microstructure have an advantageous combination of mechanical properties--tensile strength, ductility, fracture toughness, and creep resistance.