Squeeze Cast β-Si3N4-Al Composites

Ceramic-metal composites exhibit excellent mechanical properties if the phases form an interpenetrating network. high-porosity β-Si3N4 rod-like networks show the highest bend strength at given porosity. These networks, though very strong, can easily be machined which may also be of advantage for the Al-infiltrated state. Here, porous high-strength β-Si3N4 preforms, partially made from low-cost Si3N4 powder, were infiltrated with an Si-containing Al alloy by squeeze casting. The resulting co-continuous composites show excellent high-temperature strength which, when associated with estimated thermal conductivity of >50 W/mK, would have potential applications as e.g., heat sinks, wear-resistant parts like disc brake rotors, etc.