Whisker and Platelet Synthesis Processes

Abstract

Recent emphasis has been placed on the incorporation of {SiC} whiskers into both metal and ceramic matrix composites to improve the mechanical properties of the composites relative to the monolithic materials. In the 1960s, the whiskers were originally applied to the reinforcement of metal matrices, such as aluminum (Mortensen, 1990; Nair, Tien and Bates, 1985). Since then, whiskers have also been used to reinforce ceramics, such as alumina (Al2O3), mullite and silicon nitride (Si3N4) (Becher et al., 1988, 1994; Wei and Becher, 1985).