COMPOSITE MATERIALS

摘要

A metal matrix composite material is described which comprises a fibre reinforcement having a coating comprising gadolinium and gadolinium boride, preferably as discrete layers each having a thickness of 1 to 6 microns. Also described is a method of manufacture of such a material comprising the steps of coating reinforcing fibres with gadolinium by use of a deposition technique; further coating the fibres with gadolinium boride by use of a deposition technique and consolidating the coated fibres into a metal matrix to form the metal matrix composite.