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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Alumina-SiC whisker composites

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6822062
Alumina-SiC whisker ceramic composites have recently come into prominence for structural applications because of their potential for high strength and fracture toughness. Because of its very attractive mechanical properties, alumina reinforced with SiC whiskers is a good candidate for use in advanced heat engines. Ceramics for use in advanced heat engine applications must meet numerous property requirements. Obviously, they must be strong and tough at room and elevated temperatures and have high reliability. Because of the lifetime requirements demanded in commercial engines, the materials also need to be resistant to thermal shock, slow crack growth, creep and corrosion. For high volume/low cost production of engine parts, the ceramics have to be economically fabricable to near-net-shape and this requires the ability to pressureless sinter the materials. The SiC whisker-reinforced alumina ceramic composites developed have been examined with these criteria in mind. Other characteristics, such as wear resistance and joining to metals, are also important and are presently being determined.
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
6822062
Report Number(s):
CONF-851169-1; ON: DE87008734
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English