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Sintered Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/-SiC-whisker composites

Journal Article · · Am. Ceram. Soc. Bull.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6375613

Pressureless sintering of Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/-SiC-whisker composites is a viable method of fabrication. Densification of pressed powder-whisker compacts is inhibited by the SiC whiskers because rearrangement of the whiskers during shrinkage is difficult. To promote sintering, a number of techniques were effective, such as lowering the whisker aspect ratio, adjusting the Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ particle size to optimize green density and use of a liquid phase sintering aid (e.g., Y/sub 2/O/sub 3/ and MgO). At the present time, Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/-SiC-whisker composites with loadings less than or equal to10 vol% whiskers can be successfully sintered to greater than or equal to 95% of theoretical density and hot isostatically pressed without encapsulation to >98% of theoretical density. With whisker contents >10 vol%, densification is severely inhibited and sintered materials without closed porosity are obtained.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., Metals and Ceramics Div., Oak Ridge, TN 37831
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
6375613
Journal Information:
Am. Ceram. Soc. Bull.; (United States), Journal Name: Am. Ceram. Soc. Bull.; (United States) Vol. 66:2; ISSN ACSBA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English