Alumina whisker-zirconia matrix composite

As mentioned previously, the main body of research on whisker-reinforced composites was concerned with alumina, mullite, and silicon nitride matrix materials. None the less, selected work examined zirconia, cordierite, and spinel as matrix materials.16-18 The high temperature strength behavior reported for these composites is summarized in Table 2.5. As shown, the zirconia matrix composites exhibited decreases in room temperature strength with the addition of SiC whiskers. However, the retained strength at 1000°C, was significantly improved for the whisker composites over the monolithic. Claussen and co-workers attributed this behavior to loss of transformation toughening at elevated temperatures for the zirconia monolith, whereas the whisker-reinforcement contribution did not decrease at the higher temperature.17,18... 

Recent advances further enhance their commercial potential in metal matrix composites such as aluminum, nickel, and copper ceramic matrix composites, such as alumina, zirconia and silicon nitride and glass ceramic matrix composites such as lithium aluminosilicate. Silicon carbide whiskers increase strength, reduce crack propagation, and add structural reliability in ceramic matrix composites. Structural applications include cutting tool inserts, wear parts, and heat engine parts. They increase strength and stiffness of a metal, and support the design of metal matrix composites with thinner cross sections than those of the metal parts they replace, but with equal properties in applications such as turbine blades, boilers and reactors. 

---