Whisker strength

In both derivations of toughening behavior, increases in toughness for whisker-reinforced composites are dependent on the following parameters (1) whisker strength, (2) volume fraction of whiskers, (3) elastic modulus of the composite and whisker, (4) whisker diameter, and (5) interfacial fracture energies. 

Available forms Structural shapes of all types, plates, rods, wire foil flakes, powder (technical and USP). Aluminum can be electrolytically coated and dyed by the anodizing process (see anodic coating) it can be foamed by incorporating zirconium hydride in molten aluminum, and it is often alloyed with other metals or mechanically combined (fused or bonded) with boron and sapphire fibers or whiskers. Strengths up to 55,000 psi at 500C have been obtained in such composites. A vapor-deposition technique is used to form a tightly adherent coating from 0.2 to 1 mil thick on titanium and steel. 

Reinforcements. The high modulus, high intrinsic strength, and temperature stabiHty make SiC, in the form of whiskers, platelets, and fibers, a promising candidate reinforcement material for metal, polymer, and ceramic matrix composites (qv). 

Subscripts denote reinforcement morphology p = particulate, 1 = platelet, w = whisker, f = fiber, i = interlayer between reinforcement and matrix. Strength as measured in a four-point flexure test (modulus of mpture) to convert MPa to psi, multiply by 145. 

Whiskers Tensile strength, GPa Modulus, GPa" Density, g/cm Diameter, p.m Length, ]lm Maximum use temperature, °C... 

Ceramic matrix composites are candidate materials for high temperature stmctural appHcations. Ceramic matrices with properties of high strength, hardness, and thermal and chemical stabiUty coupled with low density are reinforced with ceramic second phases that impart the high toughness and damage tolerance which is required of such stmctural materials. The varieties of reinforcements include particles, platelets, whiskers and continuous fibers. Placement of reinforcements within the matrix determines the isotropy of the composite properties. 

Naturally, fibers and whiskers are of little use unless they are bonded together to take the form of a structural element that can carry loads. The binder material is usually called a matrix (not to be confused with the mathematical concept of a matrix). The purpose of the matrix is manifold support of the fibers or whiskers, protection of the fibers or whiskers, stress transfer between broken fibers or whiskers, etc. Typically, the matrix is of considerably lower density, stiffness, and strength than the fibers or whiskers. However, the combination of fibers or whiskers and a matrix can have very high strength and stiffness, yet still have low density. Matrix materials can be polymers, metals, ceramics, or carbon. The cost of each matrix escalates in that order as does the temperature resistance. 

Other ceramic cutting-tool materials include alumina, Si-Al-0-N, alumina-carbide composites and, more recently, a composite of silicon nitride reinforced with silicon carbide whiskers. This last material can be produced by chemical-vapor infiltration (CVI) and has high strength and toughness as shown in Table 18.3.Cl... 

Whiskers are short fibers, usually a single crystal with an aspect ratio of 10/1 or greater. They have high strength but are difficult to process. Their applications so far has been limited SiC whiskers are reported as random reinforcement for ceramics and in alumina cutting tools. CVD is a common production method.O Beside SiC, the following whiskers have recently been produced by CVD ... 

High Strength Titanium Boride Whiskers, Japanese New Materials High Performance Ceramics (Jan. 1989)... 

More recently, Stanicioiu, Chinta Hartner (1959) attempted to reinforce the cement with glass fibres, but this was not successful. The most serious study on the reinforcement of dental silicate cement was made by J. Aveston (in Wilson et al., 1972). Silicon carbide whiskers, carbon fibres and alumina powder were introduced into the cement mix. Unfortunately, the glass powder/liquid ratio had to be reduced, and the strength gained by reinforcement was thereby lost. It is clear that dental silicate cement cannot be strengthened by fibre or particulate reinforcement. 

Soluble polysilane polymers can also be used as precursors to silicon carbide. The first such application, using (PhMeSi)n-(Me2Si)m copolymers ("Polysilastyrene"), was to strengthen silicon nitride ceramics. The Si3N4 ceramic body was soaked in polysilane and refired, leading to the formation of silicon carbide whiskers in the pore spaces and a consequent increase in strength. (U)... 

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