Ceramic composites.pdfVIP

CERAMIC COMPOSITES 14 M.F. Amateau 14.1 INTRODUCTION The mechanical characteristics of ceramic composites are profoundly influenced by the Ceramics generally are compounds of metallic or non-metallic elements and other non-metals mechanisms of strengthening and toughening. Successful design of ceramic composites such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon and boron. requires an understanding of the role of the Compared to metals these compounds have constituents, including reinforcement, matrix higher melting temperatures, higher Young’s and interphase, on the these mechanisms. In moduli and hardness, lower densities and lower electrical and thermal conductivities. addition to the properties and form of the con- stituents, the characteristics of the processing Engineered ceramics are used in thermal and method can also have a major impact on structural applications requiring high temper- mechanical and physical properties. ature resistance, high hardness and chemical inertness. Applications that exploit the ther- mal structural properties of ceramic 14.2 CONSTITUENTMATERIALS commonly include cutting tool inserts, wear 14.2.1 REINFORCEMENTS resistant components, ballistic armor, heat exchangers, burner tubes, prosthetics, dental Fibers used in ceramic matrix composites fall implants, heat engine components and ther- into three general categories based on their mal barrier coatings. The dominating diameter: monofilaments, textile fibers and characteristics of ceramics that limit these and whiskers. In addition, reinforcements in the other engineering applications are their lack of form of particulates and platelets are used in plastic behavior at room temperatures and ceramic composite designs. The strengthening their low tolerance to flaws, i.e. low fracture role of the reinforcements in ceramic compos- toughness, that lead to catastrophic failure. ites is