Abstract: A composite material that increases in temperature upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation comprising single crystal silicon carbide whiskers and fibrils in a matrix material. Also, heat-generating objects comprising the composite material, and a method of generating heat.

Abstract: A composite material that increases in temperature upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation comprising single crystal silicon carbide whiskers and fibrils in a matrix material. Also, heat-generating objects comprising the composite material, and a method of generating heat.

Abstract: 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° C. to about 1800° 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.

Abstract: 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° C. to about 1800° 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.

Abstract: 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° C. to about 1800° 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.

Abstract: 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° C. to about 1800° C. The silicon carbide fibers are essentially devoid of whiskers have excellent resistance to heating 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.

Abstract: 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° C. to about 1800° C. The silicon carbide fibers are essentially devoid of whiskers have excellent resistance to heating 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.

Abstract: A composite and pressureless sintering process for making whisker-reinforced alumina composites using about 1 to about 7.5 wt. % of a nitride modifier consisting essentially of silicon nitride, aluminum nitride, or mixtures thereof that produces a sintered body having a density of greater than 95% theoretical.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A reinforced aluminum matrix composite having improved toughness and ductility over known composites, without any sacrifice in strength or stiffness. In particular, the invention relates to a reinforced aluminum alloy consisting essentially of copper and magnesium as the principal alloying elements. The alloy may have other soluble alloying elements up to their solubility limits in the base alloy. The alloy may include a small percentage of insoluble metallic elements in amounts which do not adversely affect the sought after improvements in ductility and toughness. The reinforcement may be either a ceramic material, in the form of whiskers, particles, or chopped fibers, or a metal.

Abstract: A method of making whisker reinforced ceramic tools and components for shaping or otherwise working materials. The invention has particular application in making metal working tools, and specifically tools used in the manufacture of two-piece aluminum beverage cans. Methods for shaping material, particularly methods for making tubular casings and two-piece cans are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ternary metal matrix composite comprising a metallic binding matrix material and a reinforcement material consisting essentially of an insoluble ceramic and a semi-metal. The ternary metal matrix composite of the invention has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is lower and more consistent than that of known binary composites using similar materials. The coefficient of thermal expansion may be tailored to meet specific application needs. The invention also has a low density, good thermal conductivity, dimensional stability, and formability. In one form of the invention, the insoluble ceramic and semi-metal contain the same element. In a preferred form of the invention, the ternary metal matrix composite comprises an aluminum alloy matrix and a reinforcement material of silicon carbide and silicon.

Abstract: A method for cutting nonmetallic materials such as wood, wood composites, and graphite composites using a ceramic composite router of unitary construction is disclosed. The ceramic composite material is comprised of an alumina matrix reinforced with silicon carbide whiskers.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.