This proposal outlines the initial phase of an R&D program, the overall objective of which is to determine the feasibility of a combined process of self propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS) and in situ Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) as a means for the cost-effective production of near net shape TiB(2)+AIN and TiB(2)+AIN+SiC(w) (silicon carbide whiskers) composites with superior mechanical properties. In the proposed research program the performance advantage of hip/SHS TiB(2) + AIN and TiB(2) + AIN + SiC(w) composites over uniaxially hot pressed TiB(2)+AIN will be investigated. Several approaches will be explored, including both high temperature containerized and containerless HIP'ing combined with SHS.
