Study on Microstructures of Micron Si_3N_4 Composite Ceramic with Addition of Nano SiC and SiC Whisker

The microstructures and crack propagating characteristic of Si 3N 4 (μ)/SiC (n, w) composite ceramic were studied with AEM. The Si 3N 4 (μ)/SiC (n, w) composite ceramic consists of β Si 3N 4, β SiC, a small amount of α Si 3N 4 and α SiC, and amorphous phase. Most of Si 3N 4 grains were equiaxed crystal and also there were some bulky columnar ones. Most of SiC particles and SiC whiskers distributed at the Si 3N 4 grain boundaries and a few of smaller SiC particles in the Si 3N 4 grains. Most of amorphous structure was in the junction of several Si 3N 4 grains and thin amorphous layer was observed only at a few of Si 3N 4 boundaries. Failured cracks propagated mainly along the boundaries of the Si 3N 4 grains and partially passed through Si 3N 4 grains. The path of crack propagating might change, branching and twisting of the cracks might occur when the expanding crack meet the SiC particle and/or SiC whisker. Effect of the microstructure on strength and toughness of the composite ceramic was briefly discussed.

Investigation of a non-explosive directional roof cutting technology for self-formed roadway

Traditional explosives have characteristics of high risk,large vibration,and poor directional fracturing.Consequently,an instantaneous expander with a single crack surface(IESCS),which is a novel nonexplosive directional rock-breaking technique,has been developed.The directional roof-cutting mechanism of the IESCS method,driven by high-pressure gas,was theoretically analyzed.Laboratory experiments and numerical simulations proved the directional slitting effect of the IESCS method to be excellent.Compared with shaped-charge blasting,the charge of IESCS was reduced by 8.9%,but the crack rate increased by 9%in field tests.After IESCS pre-splitting,the roof directionally collapsed along the cutting line,and the gangue filled the goaf.Moreover,the directional roof cutting by the IESCS could decrease roadway stress.The average pressure of hydraulic supports on the cutting side of the roof was 31%lower than that on the non-cutting side of the roof after pre-splitting.After the self-formed roadway constructed by the IESCS was stabilized,the final relative displacement of the roof and floor was 157.3 mm,meeting the required standard of the next working face.Thus,the IESCS was effectively applied to directional roof pre-splitting.The results demonstrate the promising potential of IESCS in the mining and geotechnical fields.