Journal of Materials Science, Vol.30, No.5, 1373-1378, 1995
Slurry Processing for Fabrication of SiC Whisker-Reinforced Si3N4 Composites
In order to solve the major problems of processing whisker-reinforced ceramic composites, such as agglomeration of whiskers, correlation between pH and viscosity has been carefully investigated in a mixed slurry of whiskers and matrix powder. SiC whiskers and Si3N4 powder were dispersed homogeneously by controlling pH in aqueous suspension, and the state was successfully fixed by a sudden change of pH to make the slurry more viscous. The slurry was then filtrated rapidly and dried. The strength of hot pressed composites obtained by this procedure was scarcely lowered, with increased whisker loading in the range 0-30 wt % and fracture toughness increased more than 75%.
Keywords:CRACK DEFLECTION PROCESSES