Properties of whisker-reinforced ceramics
The paper summarizes studies of SiC whisker-reinforced alumina composites their properties and the influence of composition and microstructure. Both steady-state toughness and R-curve response increase with whisker content and diameter. Room temperature flexure strength of aluminas with different grain sizes also increases with whisker content. Resistance to slow crack growth under both monotonic and cyclic loading is improved by whisker reinforcement compared to alumina and other ceramics. The thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity exhibit a substantial increase and decrease, respectively, with whisker loadings above 10 vol %. Thermal expansion coefficients decrease in a systematic fashion with increase in whisker content. However, the expansion coefficients are greater parallel to hot pressing axis compared to perpendicular direction owing to internal stresses and preferred orientation of whiskers. The changes in mechanical and thermal properties due to SiC whisker additions result in substantial improvement in thermal shock resistance for samples of various sizes. At elevated temperatures, tests in air show that improvements in strength and resistance to strength degradation are associated with SiC whisker reinforcement. The limiting factors in elevated temperature mechanical response of the composite at 1200C and above are related to surface oxidation-reaction processes and creep. On the other hand, the creep resistance of the composite is far greater than alumina with a similar fine grain size at temperatures {le} 1200C. Furthermore by increasing the grain size of the alumina matrix, creep resistance of the composite can be increased. In essence, SiC whisker reinforced alumina composites provide an example of a system whose properties can be tailored through control of microstructure and composition.
- Research Organization:
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 10177846
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-940416-24; ON: DE94017759
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 96. annual meeting of the American Ceramic Society (ACS),Indianapolis, IN (United States),25-28 Apr 1994; Other Information: PBD: [1994]
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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