The Compatibility of Whiskers of Silicon Nitride, Silicon Carbide and Alumina with Metallic Matrices at High Temperatures

摘要

The report describes the continuation of a series of high temperature compatibility trials, screening various combinations of whiskers and metals for prolonged service at 1100C, as a preliminary to possible development of composite turbine blades. The trials showed that only one sample of alumina whiskers remained stable even in pure nickel. Thorough testing with the appropriate alloy in a characteristic engine environment would be needed before proceeding with certainty. However, alumina fibres some two orders of magnitude larger, showed no evidence of gross instability in nichrome and might well make an adequate reinforcement in themselves. (Author)