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Title: Transition metal diboride matrix composites. Final technical report 1 Jun 1969--30 Nov 1970. [TiB/sub 2/ and ZrB/sub 2/ with graphite, SiC, or ZrO/sub 2/ reinforcement fibers]

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7313802

Titanium diboride and zirconium diboride composites containing 'Thornel' 50 graphite fibers, silicon carbide whiskers, and 'Zircar' zirconium oxide fibers were fabricated by hot-pressing. In all composites fabricated to near theoretical density, degradation of the fibrous component occurred. The degradation is a recrystallization process, rather than a chemical interaction between the fibers and the matrix components. Recrystallization took place in each of the types of fibers, including 'Thornel' 50 fibers coated with TiC and TiB/sub 2/. In diboride composites containing SiC whiskers, the recrystallization of the whiskers was greatly reduced by using large diameter (>5 micrometers) whiskers. The strength of composites containing the undegraded SiC whiskers, however, was less than that of the unreinforced diboride matrix. The strongest zirconium diboride composites were fabricated with 'Zircar' stabilized zirconia fibers. The average strength of the strongest 'Zircar'--ZrB/sub 2/ composite was 81,000 psi. The composition of the strongest composite was 64 volume percent ZrB/sub 2/ powder, 16 volume percent SiC powder, and 20 volume percent 'Zircar' ZrO/sub 2/ fibers. (auth)

Research Organization:
Union Carbide Corp., Parma, OH (USA). Carbon Products Div.
DOE Contract Number:
F33615-69-C-1645
OSTI ID:
7313802
Report Number(s):
AD-888888
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English