Whiskers alumina-based ceramics

The data base now contains 5497 test results on over 320 different batches of ceramic materials. Approximately 46% of these are on zirconia-based ceramics, 9% are on silicon carbides, 21% are on silicon nitrides, 6.7% are on whisker-reinforced silicon nitrides, 16.3% are on alumina-based ceramics (including whisker-reinforced aluminas and mullites), and 2% are on other ceramics. Table 1 gives a detailed breakdown, by material class, of the data stored in the system, A list of materials within a material class Is available on request. 

Ceramics, particularly new ceramic composites, are widely used in the cutting-tool industry. For example, alumina reinforced with silicon carbide whiskers (extremely fine fibers) is used to cut and machine cast iron and harder nickel-based alloys. Ceramic materials are also used in grinding wheels and as abrasives because of tiieir exceptional hardness (Table 12.4). Silicon carbide is the most widely used abrasive. 

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