EFFECT of SiC CONTENT and THIRD PHASE METAL ADDITIONS on THERMAL and MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF Si/SiC CERAMICS

摘要

Composites of silicon carbide (SiC) and silicon (Si) are fabricated by the reactive infiltration of molten Si into preforms of SiC particles and carbon. This product is often referred to as reaction bonded silicon carbide (RBSC). SiC materials are used in many applications due to their favorable properties including high hardness, high thermal conductivity, low thermal expansion and high stiffness. This paper demonstrates the manipulation of thermal and mechanical properties through the additions of third phase metals (e.g. Al and/or Ti) to the infiltration alloy and through the additions of ceramic-forming, reactive materials to the preform. The effects of these additions on microstructural, physical, mechanical, and thermal properties are presented and discussed.