Abstract
Silicon nitride and silicon carbide are excellent materials for high temperature applications. Their combination in composites obtained by dispersing SiC inclusions in a Si3N4 matrix should produce superior materials. The availability of SiC whiskers prompted their use as a reinforcing phase in Si3N4 composites. Toughening increments were expected due to energy dissipating mechanisms related to the fibrous nature of the whiskers. This paper describes results of work concerning the obtention of homogeneous dispersions of SiC inclusions in Si3N4, a necessary condition to obtain uniform green bodies. Results showing the influence of the non sintering inclusions on the densification of the composites will be analyzed and possible solutions for the obtention of dense composites will be discussed. The mechanical properties of the composites obtained will be presented and possible ways of improving the fracture toughness will be discussed in relation to the particle-matrix interfaces developed during the sintering process.
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References
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© 1990 Kluwer Academic Publishers
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Baptista, J.L. (1990). Si3N4 — SiC Composites. In: Freer, R. (eds) The Physics and Chemistry of Carbides, Nitrides and Borides. NATO ASI Series, vol 185. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-2101-6_27
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-2101-6_27
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
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