Advanced Composite Materials Corporation

James F Rhodes

William M Rogers

Ronald L Beatty

Derek J Angier

Chester J Dziedzic

Method for producing silicon carbide fibers by mixing discontinuous isotropic carbon fibers with a silica source and exposing the mixture to a temperature of from about 1450&#xb0; C. to about 1800&#xb0; C. The silicon carbide fibers are essentially devoid of whiskers have excellent resistance to oxidation and excellent response to microwave energy, and can readily be formed into a ceramic medium employing conventional ceramic technology. The fibers also may be used for plastic and metal reinforcement.

Process for producing silicon carbide fibers essentially devoid of whiskers

Silicon carbide fibers are produced by mixing discontinuous isotropic carbon fibers with a silica source and exposing the mixture to a temperature of from about 1450&#xb0; C. to about 1800&#xb0; C. The silicon carbide fibers are essentially devoid of whiskers have excellent resistance to oxidation and excellent response to microwave energy, and can readily be formed into a ceramic medium employing conventional ceramic technology. The fibers also may be used for plastic and metal reinforcement.

Silicon carbide fibers essentially devoid of whiskers and products made therefrom

A composite and pressureless sintering process for making whisker-reinforced alumina composites using a nitride modifier. The whiskers are milled to an aspect ratio of less than 10. Green preform bodies are surrounded by a carbonaceous material during the sintering process to prevent direct exposure of the body surface to the atmosphere within the sintering furnace during the sintering step.

Pressureless sintering of whisker reinforced alumina composites

A composite and pressureless sintering process for making whisker-reinforced alumina composites using about 2 to about 7.5 wt. % of a nitride modifier consisting essentially of silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, or mixtures thereof produces a sintered body having a density of greater than about 95% theoretical.

Pressureless sintering of whisker reinforced composites

Cutting tools are disclosed which are comprised of composite bodies comprising a ceramic matrix reinforced by ceramic whiskers. The ceramic matrix may be alumina or silicon nitride, and may contain toughening components. The whiskers are preferably silicon carbide, but may be other known ceramic whiskers. Whisker content in the composite is 2-40%, with higher contents generally used for tools when the expected service involves interrupted cutting and lower contents generally used for continuous cutting tools.

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Greer, SC, United States of America

James F Rhodes