PHYSICO-MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF IRON-MILLSCALE REINFORCED CERAMIC COMPOSITE

Abstract

 

The overall safety of an aircraft requires that structural parts meet operational aerodynamic critical mechanical characteristics. This paper evaluated two critical mechanical properties of iron millscale (IMS) particles reinforced ceramic matrix composite (CMC) as a suitable material for aircraft structural application. The IMS particles reinforced CMC was produced by powder metallurgy method. IMS particles addition varied from 5 30 wt. % in a matrix comprising a mixture of silica, and magnesia and sodium bentonite as lubricant. The composites were subjected to physical and mechanical properties tests while their microstructures were characterised using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) and the data obtained analysed. The results show promising performances by the composites in terms of a relatively low density (2.75 g/cm³) as a precursor of lightweight, enhanced specific strength of 58.3 kN.m/kg and desirable impact toughness up to 77.8 J. Resistance to lateral reduction in dimension as indicated by the compressive strength is 168.2 MPa. It is concluded that the intrinsic elastic transformation behaviour of the reinforcing phase during sintering is responsible for the mechanical properties enhancement.