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Development of SiC-whisker-reinforced ceramics

Journal Article · · Am. Ceram. Soc. Bull.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5692793

Dense, toughened SiC-whisker-reinforced ceramic matrix (i.e. Al2O3 and mullite) composites were fabricated by hot-pressing powder-whisker mixtures. The densification behavior of the composites was influenced by the temperature, pressing pressure, and whisker content but even at 60 vol pct whisker loading, full density was achieved at 1850 C for the alumina matrix. The mechanical performance of these composites was improved. In particular, the critical stress intensity factor (equal to about 9 MPa sq rt of m in Al2O3 and equal to about 5 MPa sq rt of m in mullite) exhibited substantial improvements (approximately two-fold increases) over monolithic ceramics. In the case of the alumina-20 vol pct SiC whisker composite, the flexural strength was 805 MPa at room temperature and 520 MPa at 1200 C the thermal conductivity was 32 W/mK at room temperature and 10 W/mK at 1000 C. 19 references.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
OSTI ID:
5692793
Journal Information:
Am. Ceram. Soc. Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Ceram. Soc. Bull.; (United States) Vol. 64; ISSN ACSBA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English