This Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project involves a systematic investigation of processing techniques to obtain high performance silicon nitride/silicon carbide nanocomposites ceramics. It is expected that the innovative method of polymer precursor pyrolosis will allow lower consolidation temperatures and will consume less energy than conventional processes. Additional benefits are expected to dramatically increase the performance of the nanocomposites produced. Expected process system benefits include broader commercial engineering applications due to lower processing costs and higher component reliabilities.
If processing costs can be reduced and high temperature performance can be enhanced potential commercial applications should be widespread. At present, the following applications are envisioned: high temperature gas turbine components, continuous casting nozzle parts, cutting tools, high temperature welding and cutting tools, and high temperature nuclear fusion reactor parts.
