Effect of SiC whiskers on the oxidation protective properties of SiC coatings for carbon/carbon composites

In order to effectively employ the unique high temperature mechanical properties of carbon/carbon composite substrates, SiC coatings reinforced by SiC whiskers were prepared by pack cementation method. The effect of SiC whiskers on the oxidation resistance properties of the single-layer coating and double-layer coating was investigated. SiC whiskers in the single-layer SiC coating have little effect on the anti-oxidation property but obviously improve the thermal shock property. The double-layer coating with inner-layer reinforced coating exhibits more perfect anti-oxidation ability than the double-layer coating with SiC inner-layer coating.

Synergistically Toughening Effect of SiC Whiskers and Nanoparticles in Al_2O_3-based Composite Ceramic Cutting Tool Material

In recent decades, many additives with different characteristics have been applied to strengthen and toughen Al2O3-based ceramic cutting tool materials. Among them, SiC whiskers and SiC nanoparticles showed excellent performance in improving the material properties. While no attempts have been made to add SiC whiskers and SiC nanoparticles together into the ceramic matrix and the synergistically toughening effects of them have not been studied. An Al2O3-SiCw-SiC np advanced ceramic cutting tool material is fabricated by adding both one-dimensional SiC whiskers and zero-dimensional SiC nanoparticles into the Al2O3 matrix with an effective dispersing and mixing process. The composites with 25 vol% SiC whiskers and 25 vol% SiC nanoparticles alone are also investegated for comparison purposes. Results show that the Al2O3-SiCw-SiCnp composite with both 20 vo1% SiC whiskers and 5 vol% SiC nanoparticles additives have much improved mechanical properties. The flexural strength of Al2O3-SiCw-SiCnp is 730＋ 95 MPa and fracture toughness is 5.6 ± 0.6 MPa.m1/2. The toughening and strengthening mechanisms of SiC whiskers and nanoparticles are studied when they are added either individually or in combination. It is indicated that when SiC whiskers and nanoparticles are added together, the grains are further refined and homogenized, so that the microstructure and fracture mode ratio is modified. The SiC nanoparticles are found helpful to enhance the toughening effects of the SiC whiskers. The proposed research helps to enrich the types of ceramic cutting tool and is benefit to expand the application range of ceramic cutting tool.

Preparation and Mechanical Properties of-SiC Nanoparticle Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composite by a Multi-step Powder Metallurgy Process

β-SiC nanoparticle reinforced A1 matrix （nano-SiCp/A1） composite was prepared by a multi- step powder metallurgy strategy including presureless sintering, hot compacting process and hot extrusion. The microstructures of the as-prepared composites were observed by scanning electronic microscopy （SEM）, and the mechanical properties were characterized by tensile strength measurement and Brinell hardness test. The experimental results revealed that the tensile strength of the composite with the addition of 5wt%/3-SIC nanoprtieles could be increased to 215 MPa, increasing by 110% compared with pure A1 matrix. Comparative experiments reflected that theβ-SIC nanoprticles showed significant reinforcement effect than traditional a-SiC micro-sized particles. The preparation process and sintering procedure were investigated to develop a cost effective preparation strategy to fabricate nano-SiCp/A1 composite.

FRACTURE BEHAVIOUR OF SiC WHISKER REINFORCED Al COMPOSITES

The dynamic tensile processes of silicon carbide whisker reinforced Al composite(SiC_w/Al) with 22% V_f have been in situ observed with a scanning electron microscope equipped with a tensile stand.The results show that a number of microcracks have formed as the tensile stress increases to 180～190 MPa.Microcracks form in most cases at the whisker ends.The frac- ture behaviour of SiC_w/Al composite observed has been explained theoretically.

Microstructure of SiC Whiskers with Different Cross-sections Perpendicular to the Whiskers Axis

Microstructure of β-SiC whiskers with differ- ent cross-sections perpendicular to their growing direction was studied in detail by transmission elec- tron microscopy (TEM).It was indicated that there were three types of cross-sections:round, hexagonal and trigonal.The whiskers with round and hexagonal cross-sections had a high density of planar faults lying on the (111) close packed planes perpendicular to the whisker axis.There existed a few stacking faults on the other {111} planes in some hexagonal whiskers.The whiskers with bicrystals were also found in hexagonal whiskers. The microstructure of trigonal SiC whiskers was basically perfect but there were a few intrinsic stack- ing faults on the (11) planes (mostly) and (111) planes.The characters of electron diffraction pat- terns of β-SiC whiskers with different cross-sec- tions were reasonably analyzed using a reciprocal space model with continuous diffraction streaks along the [111] reciprocal direction.

Comparison of K_(IC) Values for SiC Whisker Reinforced Ceramic Composites Obtained by Using Various Methods

The fracture toughness (KIC) values determined by indentation microfracture method (IM ) for SiC whisker reinforced Al2O3 and ZrO2 based composites were calculated with different IM equations and compared with those obtained by singte edge notched beam (SENB) technique. Experimental results show that the KIC (IM) values calculated with different equations are quite different one from another. For composites without phase transformable components the KIC (IM) and KIC (SENB) values are practically on the same level, but for composites with phase transformable components (partially stabilized zirconia) the KIC (SENB) values are always higher than KIC (IM). This is because that the IM method can not reveal sensitively the toughening effect due to dynamic t-m transformation of ZrO2 as the SENB method does. The accuracy of the IM method depends on the Suitability of the IM equations and was evaluated for the materials used in this investigation. Two new IM equations are suggested with which the KIC (IM ) values can be obtained very close to KIC (SENB) values for composites having phase transformable components.

Preparation and Characterization of BAS Reinforced with SiC Platelets

BAS glass-ceramic powders were prepared by sol-gel processing. SiC platelets reinforced BAS glass-ceramic matrix composites with high density and uniform microstructure could be made using hot-pressing method. The related processing parameters were studied in this work, including effects of additional seed on transformation from H to M of barium aluminosilicate. DTA method was used to determine exact time to press mixture powders during hot-pressing for the purpose of effective densification. Microstructure and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated by mean of SEM, XRD and TEM techniques as well as three points bending test and single edge notched beam measurement. The results showed that the flexural strength and fracture toughness value of the BAS glass-ceramic matrix composites could be effectively improved by the addition of the SiC platelets. But the relative densities of composites were slightly decreased. The main toughening mechanism is crack deflection, platelets' pull-out and bridging. The increased value of flexural strength is contributed to the load transition effect from matrix to SiC platelets.

Synthesis and characteristics of SiC whiskers with "rosary bead" morphology

SiC whiskers with "rosary bead" morphology were synthesized using suitable silicon source and carbon source through solid reaction at the temperature above 1537 K. The diameter and length of the SiC whiskers were about 0.1-1.0 μm and 20-100 μm, respectively. The largest diameter of their enlarged ends of the whiskers was about 0.2-1.0μm, and it gradually and smoothly decreased to the size of the plain part of the whiskers. The results of X-ray diffraction analysis show that the crystalline structure of the obtained SiC whiskers is β-SiC. It is considered that the SiC whiskers grow via a vapor-solid mechanism.

SiC whisker reinforced MoSi_2 composite prepared by spark plasma sintering from COSHS-ed powder

SiC whisker reinforced MoSi2 composite powder was synthesized by a novel process, referred to the literature as chemical oven self-propagating high temperature synthesis(COSHS). The as-prepared SiCw/MoSi2 composite powder was rapidly sintered by spark plasma sintering(SPS) process. The sintering temperature and pressure were 1 723 K at heating rate of 100 K/min and 40 MPa, respectively. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the composite were investigated. Relative densities of the monolithic material and composite are 95% and 99.3%, respectively. SEM micrographs of SiCw/MoSi2 composite show that SiC whiskers homogeneously distribute in MoSi2 matrix. The composite containing SiC whisker has higher Vicker hardness than monolithic MoSi2. Especially the room-temperature fracture toughness of the composite is higher than that of MoSi2, from 3.6 MPa·m1/2 for MoSi2 to 7.7 MPa·m1/2 for composite with 15% SiC(volume fraction), increased by 113.9%. The morphology of propagation of crack and fractured surface of composite reveal the mechnaism to improve fracture toughness of MoSi2 matrix. The results show that the in-situ SiCw/MoSi2 composite powder prepared by COSHS technique can be successfully sinterded through SPS process and significant improvement of low temperature fracture toughness can be achieved.

Characteristics of Fatigue in a SiC Reinforced Aluminium Alloy

1.IntroductionMetal matrix composite materials exhibitquite a good combination of strength andstiffness of the reinforcing phase withductility and toughness of the matrix.Aluminium alloys reinforced with SiC parti-cles and whiskers are receiving a greatdeal of attention from researchers andengineers,because the engineering properties

Synthesis and characteristics of SiC whiskers with "rosary bead" morphology

SiC whiskers with 'rosary bead' morphology were synthesized using suitablesilicon source and carbon source through solid reaction at the temperature above 1537 K. Thediameter and length of the SiC whiskers were about 0.1-1.0 μm and 20-100 μm, respectively. Thelargest diameter of their enlarged ends of the whiskers was about 0.2-1.0μm, and it gradually andsmoothly decreased to the size of the plain part of the whiskers. The results of X-ray diffractionanalysis show that the crystalline structure of the obtained SiC whiskers is β-SiC. It isconsidered that the SiC whiskers grow via a vapor-solid mechanism.

Study on the thermodynamics and the growth kinetics of synthesis of the β-SiC whiskers

The thermodynamics and the growth kinetics of synthesis of the SiC whiskers (SiC w ) from rice hulls are studied in this paper. The results show that the intimate contact of SiO 2 with C in the rice hulls resulted in the formation of SiC particle (SiC p ) at lower temperature, and the external ash of the hulls (w (SiO 2 )>98%) is the main silicon source for SiCw growth. The metallic composite catalyst increases the selectivity for SiCw growth and the reaction rate. The growth mechanism of the SiCw can be characterized as the VLS (vapour liquid solid) with the presence of the whisker forming catalyst: from SiC nucleation through enlargement and growing with the <1 1 1> crystallographic orientation in a certain diameter, then the SiC w is a complete single crystal of β SiC. The generation reaction of SiO is the rate determing step for synthesis of SiC w .

PREDICTION OF MECHANICAL PROPERTY OF WHISKER REINFORCED METAL MATRIX COMPOSITE: PART-II. VERIFICATION & APPLICATION

The present paper continues the discussion in Part I. Model and Formulation. Based on the theory proposed in Part I, the formulae predicting stiffness moduli of the composites in some typical cases of whisker orientations and loading conditions are derived and compared with theoretical representatives in literatures, experimental measurement and commonly used empirical formulae. It seems that (1) with whisker reinforcing and matrix hardening considered, the present prediction is in well agreement with the experimental measurement; (2) the present theory can predict accurate moduli with the proper pre calculated parameters; (3) the upper bound and lower bound of the present theory are just the predictions of equal strain theory and equal stress theory; (4) the present theory provides a physical explanation and theoretical base for the present commonly used empirical formulae. Compared with the microscopic mechanical theories, the present theory is competent for modulus prediction of practical engineering composite in accuracy and simplicity. [WT5”HZ]

STRAIN REGULARITY IN REINFORCERS OF SHORT-FIBER/ WHISKER REINFORCED COMPOSITE AND ITS APPLICATION

Based on the study of strain distribution in short-fiber/whisker reinforced metal matrix composites, a deformation characteristic parameter λ is defined as the ratio of the root-mean-square strain of reinforcers to the macro-linear strain along the same direction. Quantitative relation between λ and microstructure parameters of the composite is obtained. As an example of applying and verifying λ, the stress-strain curve of ［AlBO］w/Al composite under tensile loading is predicted and favorably compared with experiments. By using λ, the stiffness modulus of the composite with arbitrary reinforcer orientation under any loading condition is predicted from the microstructure parameters of material.

PREDICTION OF MECHANICAL PROPERTY OF WHISKER REINFORCED METAL MATRIX COMPOSITE: PART-I. MODEL AND FORMULATION

Based on study of strain distribution in whisker reinforced metal matrix composites, an explicit precise stiffness tensor is derived. In the present theory, the effect of whisker orientation on the macro property of composites is considered, but the effect of random whisker position and the complicated strain field at whisker ends are averaged. The derived formula is able to predict the stiffness modulus of composites with arbitrary whisker orientation under any loading condition. Compared with the models of micro mechanics, the present theory is competent for modulus prediction of actual engineering composites. The verification and application of the present theory are given in a subsequent paper published in the same issue

Deep Reinforcement Learning Based AGV Self-navigation Obstacle Avoidance Method

A local path optimization model and obstacle avoidance strategy based on Actor-Critic algorithm is proposed for the local obstacle avoidance problem of automatic guided vehicles in a complex workshop environment.In the complex working environment of the production workshop,we analyze the automatic obstacle avoidance problem of AGV trolley,establish the front and both sides of the AGV tentacle model and Markov decision process,and describe the local obstacle avoidance path in the form of virtual tentacles.And based on deep reinforcement learning to solve the path obstacle avoidance strategy,it is applied to the AGV self-navigation system.The dynamic obstacle avoidance performance of AGV is tested through simulation experiments,and the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified by completing local obstacle avoidance path planning under global path guidance.

High Temperature Creep behaviour of a Si_3N_4 Whisker Reinforced Al-Fe-V-Si Composite

The creep behaviour of β-Si3N4 whisker reinforced Al-8.5Fe-1.3V-1.7Si composite has been investigated at the temperature 773 and 823 K. The results are characterized by high stress exponent and high apparent creep activation energy The creep data can be interpreted based on the incorporation of a threshold Stress and a load transfer coefficient into the power-law creep equation. A good correlation between the normalized creep rate and normalized effective stress is available which demonstrates that the creep behaviour of both the alloy and the composite is controlled by the matrix lattice self-diffusion in AI. EXamination on microstructure shows that edge dislocations exist at the interfaces between two adjacent whiskers and the intedeces emit edge dislocations in parallel paired-columns.

Serviceability and Reinforcement of Low Content Whisker in Portland Cement

In order to explore the serviceability and reinforcement of CaCO3 whisker in portland cement matrix, the durability of CaCO3 whisker and effect of low whisker content（0%-4.0%） on the working performance and mechanical properties of portland cement were investigated. The experimental results show that CaCO3 whiskers have a good stability and serviceability in cement, and should not significantly alter the rheological properties of the cement paste. The flexural and compressive strength of portland cement reinforced by CaCO3 whiskers was increased by 33.3% and 12.83%, respectively.

Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of CaSO4 Whisker Reinforced Cement Mortar

Calcium sulfate whisker(CaSO4 whiskers), a new type of microfiber material, was used in cement matrix to increase the strength of the cement based composites. Effect of CaSO4 whiskers on the mechanical properties of the resulting cement mortar was also studied. The results showed that the flexural strength and compressive strength of the mortar specimen was improved as high as 28.3% and 8.5% by incorporating 5 wt% CaSO4 whiskers. Also, the chemical composition and structural transformation of the hardened cement matrix with CaSO4 whiskers were identified by X-ray diffraction(XRD) and scanning electron microscope(SEM). Conclusion can be drawn that CaSO4 whiskers can effectively retard the formation and restrict the coalescence of micro-crack expansion. The interaction mechanism of CaSO4 whisker on the reinforcement is mainly on three aspects: whisker pullout, crack deflection, and crack bridging. Mercury intrusion porosimetry(MIP) tests have confirmed that for 28 d cement mortar, the harmless pores increased from 9.33% to 10.62%, and the harmful pores decreased from 2.08% to 1.90%. Therefore, the whisker can optimize the pore size distribution of the resulting cement mortar.

The Mechanical Properties of Polyurethane Elastomer Reinforced and Toughened By CaSO_4-Whisker

CaSO 4 whisker reinforcing and toughening mechanisms for polyurethane elastomer were studied. The effects of dispersity of CaSO 4 whisker and interfacial bonding state on reinforcement and toughness were discussed.The microanalyses showed that CaSO 4 whisker reinforcing mechanism for polyurethane elastomer mainly was load transferring and its toughening mechanism involved crack deflection and whisker pullout.The results indicated that composites with 5%-10% CaSO 4 whisker exhibited the best mechanical properties. Good bonding interface was formed between whisker and matrix after the surface of CaSO 4 whisker was treated by silane coupling agent.The fairly improved strength and toughness are attributed to the better interfacial bonding state.