Fabrication of SiC Whiskers and Composites PDF Download

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Book Description
The Los Alamos Structural Ceramics Program is a multi-faceted program with an overall objective of producing superior strength and fracture toughness in ceramic bodies for load bearing applications. One phase of the program is pursuing the development of silicon carbide whiskers which are used to prepare ceramic matrix composites. The purpose of this work is to investigate strengthening and toughening mechanisms in ceramic composites. In the following we describe some elements of the whisker development program in which we are endeavoring better to characterize the whisker growth process in order to scale up its production potential. We have used these whiskers in the preparation of four types of ceramic matrix representative of a range of materials. The nature and reasons for choosing these materials are described. Composites have been prepared by dry-blending followed by hot pressing which yields high density bodies. In addition we are beginning an investigation of wet processing (slip casting) to produce a silicon-silicon carbide body which will be reaction sintered in nitrogen. Composites of glass-, hot pressed silicon nitride -, and molybdenum disilicide - silicon carbide whiskers have been tested in flexure to determine strength and fracture toughness. Results have been promising, with substantial toughening exhibited in all systems, and strengthening in the glass and MoSi2 composites. The reaction bonded silicon nitride is not yet to the testing stage.