초록 ▼

Ceramic composites, and in particular structural ceramic composites, have enhanced strength, toughness and abrasion resistance due to the presence of up to about 40 volume percent of relatively large boron carbide whiskers. Although whiskers of various sizes were studied, those of particular interes

Ceramic composites, and in particular structural ceramic composites, have enhanced strength, toughness and abrasion resistance due to the presence of up to about 40 volume percent of relatively large boron carbide whiskers. Although whiskers of various sizes were studied, those of particular interest are whiskers having an average diameter greater than about 3 micrometers, and particularly about 5 to about 8 micrometers, with an average aspect ratio of about 50. Due to the larger size, which had been predicted to be detrimental, there is less respiratory health risk when using these whiskers in the manufacturing of thse improved ceramic composites. Since boron carbide whiskers have many properties superior to silicon carbide whiskers, the most common strengthening agent, the findings should lead to several improved ceramic composites.

대표청구항 ▼

A ceramic composite having improved toughness, strength and abrasion resistance, which comprises a shaped and densified composite of an intimate mixture of a ceramic powder and boron carbide whiskers, said boron carbide whiskers being present from about 1 to about 40 volume percent in said composite

A ceramic composite having improved toughness, strength and abrasion resistance, which comprises a shaped and densified composite of an intimate mixture of a ceramic powder and boron carbide whiskers, said boron carbide whiskers being present from about 1 to about 40 volume percent in said composite, said boron carbide whiskers having an average diameter greater than about 3 micrometers and an average aspect ratio of about 3 to about 200.