Whisker-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites

Technical Report · Sat Nov 15 04:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:7127451

Homeny, J; Vaughn, W L

The role of whisker/matrix interfacial characteristics on the toughening mechanisms in SiC whisker/Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ matrix composites was investigated. Specifically, the surface chemistry of two whisker types (Silar SC-9 and Tateho SCW-1S) was correlated to the fracture toughness of the composites. ESCA analysis of the whisker surfaces revealed that the Silar SC-9 whiskers contained Si-C, Si-O, and C-C species and that the Tateho SCW-1S whiskers showed only Si-C species. Composites produced with Silar SC-9 whiskers exhibited enhanced fracture toughness compared to unreinforced Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/, while composites produced with Tateho SCW-1S whiskers exhibited toughness levels similar to unreinforced Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/. It is believed that the presence of the Si-O and C-C species on the whisker surfaces prevents a strong chemical bond at the whisker/matrix interface and allows the activation of toughening mechanisms, such as crack deflection and whisker bridging/pullout.

• Research Organization: Illinois Univ., Urbana (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7127451
• Report Number(s): AD-A-193661/6/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360203 -- Ceramics
Cermets
& Refractories-- Mechanical Properties
360603* -- Materials-- Properties
ALUMINIUM COMPOUNDS
ALUMINIUM OXIDES
CARBIDES
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL BONDS
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
CRACKS
CRYSTALS
FRACTURE PROPERTIES
MATERIALS
MATRIX MATERIALS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
MONOCRYSTALS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SILICON CARBIDES
SILICON COMPOUNDS
SURFACES
WHISKERS