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U.S. Department of Energy
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Microstructural development, phase stability, and toughening in mullite-matrix composites

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:7292666
Mullite-matrix composites with partially stabilized zirconia and/or SiC whiskers were fabricated by hot pressing of powders prepared from Al, Si, Zr, and Mg (or Y) alkoxide precursors by a sol-gel process. A series of studies were conducted on microstructural evolution, oxidation behavior, and toughening mechanisms, in order to extend the knowledge in these areas and provide a basis for the future development of these materials. It was found that, during hot pressing, mullite developed from an intermediate Al-Si spinel phase, while zirconia could develop by (1) nucleation, growth and subsequent transformation of cubic ZrO{sub 2} particles from the amorphous matrix; (2) dissolution and reprecipitation from mullite grains; (3) decomposition from zircon (ZrSiO{sub 4}), which had formed as an intermediate phase. The microstructural development in hot pressed composites was found to be significantly different from that in heat treated powders. The oxidation behavior of SiC whiskers in various matrices was investigated at temperatures ranging from 1,000 to 1,350C for up to 1,000 hours. Finally, possible toughening mechanisms in mullite matrix composites were addressed.
Research Organization:
Illinois Univ., Urbana, IL (United States)
OSTI ID:
7292666
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English