Processing, microstructure, and properties of carbon nanotube reinforced silicon carbide

Thomas A. Carlson, Charles P. Marsh, Waltraud M. Kriven, Peter B. Stynoski, Charles R. Welch

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The addition of multi-walled carbon nanotube reinforcements to a ceramic matrix has been suggested to improve the fracture toughness. The hypothesized improvement is thought to be the result of crack bridging and other toughening mechanisms. However, no such improvement in toughness has not been achieved to date for a multi-walled carbon nanotube and silicon carbide composite. However, there are several processing techniques, compositions, and methods for producing said composite, which may inhibit or foster success. Here, we report the processing, microstructure, and properties of a multi-walled carbon nanotube and silicon carbide composite material. The processing required careful mixing of the carbon nanotubes within the matrix in order to maximize dispersion and minimize carbon nanotube damage. The sintering required careful control of specific parameters to produce the desired microstructure and maximum density. The spark plasma sintering technique used was. These processing methods resulted in unique microstructures which in turn affected the material properties. The effect on the mechanical strength was evaluated using three-point flexural testing.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationComposite Materials and Joining Technologies for Composites - Proceedings of the 2012 Annual Conference on Experimental and Applied Mechanics
Pages147-159
Number of pages13
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Event2012 Annual Conference on Experimental and Applied Mechanics - Costa Mesa, CA, United States
Duration: Jun 11 2012Jun 14 2012

Publication series

NameConference Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Mechanics Series
Volume7
ISSN (Print)2191-5644
ISSN (Electronic)2191-5652

Other

Other2012 Annual Conference on Experimental and Applied Mechanics
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCosta Mesa, CA
Period6/11/126/14/12

Keywords

  • Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)
  • Flexural strength
  • Silicon carbide (SiC)
  • Spark plasma sintering (SPS)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering
  • Computational Mechanics
  • Mechanical Engineering

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