Particle loaded, fiber-reinforced composite materials

The composite material of claim 1, wherein at least 50% of the fibers contact or are spaced less than 0.2 micrometers from an adjacent fiber within the metal matrix.

The composite material of claim 1, wherein the composite material is in the form of a wire.

The composite material of claim 1, wherein the plurality of particles are present at less than 1 wt. % based upon the total dry weight of the fibers.

The composite material of claim 1, wherein the plurality of particles are present at less than 0.1 wt. % based upon the total dry weight of the fibers.

A cable comprising at least one composite wire of claim 9.

A helically stranded cable including at least one composite wire of claim 9, wherein the helically stranded cable is comprised of:na core wire defining a center longitudinal axis;a first plurality of wires helically stranded around the core wire in a first lay direction at a first lay angle defined relative to the center longitudinal axis and having a first lay length; anda second plurality of wires helically stranded around the first plurality of wires in a second lay direction at a second lay angle defined relative to the center longitudinal axis and having a second lay length.

The stranded cable of claim 12, wherein the core wire comprises at least one composite material of claim 9.

The stranded cable of any one of claim 12, wherein each of the first plurality of wires comprises at least one composite wire of claim 9.

The stranded cable of claim 14, wherein each of the second plurality of wires comprises at least one composite wire of claim 9.

The stranded cable of claim 19, wherein a relative difference between the first lay angle and the second lay angle is greater than 0° and no greater than 4°.