Development of unidirectional silicon carbide whiskers in a nickel matrix composite

In recent years, Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) have emerged as a promising class of materials, which are certain to play a significant role in the development of future aerospace components. In this research pure Nickel is reinforced with uniaxially oriented Silicon Carbide whiskers. Attainment of higher strength of the composite has been the prime motive behind the development of this metal matrix composite.; Continuous fibers containing oriented whiskers can be readily produced using a laboratory scale compressed air extruder, and these oriented whiskers are then hot pressed between Nickel sheets to form the final composite. Majority of the whiskers were oriented along the axis of the fiber between an angel interval of 0-20{dollar}spcirc.{dollar} Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) & Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) plays a key role in the quantification of whisker orientation and analysis of the microstructure of the composite. Residual carbon in the fibers affected the strength of the composite. Poor tensile strength was observed in the SS4 composite due to the excess residual carbon present in the fibers. Superior strength in the SS5 composite was observed as compared to pure Nickel. Tips of the whiskers in the composite were seen in the cross-section, which implies that they are oriented in the composite.