Study of the elastic properties of Al(sub 2)O(sub 3) and Si(sub 3)N(sub 4) matrix composites with SiC whisker reinforcement.

摘要

A study of the elastic moduli of Al(sub 2)O(sub 3) and Si(sub 3)N(sub 4) ceramics reinforced with 0-25 wt % SiC whiskers has been carried out. The Young's and shear moduli for each composite sample are compared with upper and lower bounds as calculated from the elastic moduli of the constituents using Paul's model. The moduli for the Al(sub 2)O(sub 3) based composites are generally lower than the calculated lower bounds whereas the values for the Si(sub 3)N(sub 4) based composites are in agreement with the average between the upper and lower bounds. These results are interpreted as reflecting the relatively poor Al(sub 2)O(sub 3)/SiC interface bond, which allows for the observed whisker pullout in these samples, and the relatively strong interface bond in the Si(sub 3)N(sub 4) composites. 26 refs., 2 figs.