Influence of polymer content on in-situ polymer-derived particles reinforced nickel matrix composites

Abstract

The influence of polycarbosilane (PCS) content on the macroscopic appearance, microstructures and tensile properties of particles reinforced nickel matrix composites (PRNMCs) fabricated via in-situ polymer-derived particles (PDPs) method was studied. The method to decide suitable addition of polymer was proposed. It is revealed that the suitable content of PCS to obtain an intact PRNMCs is 1.24– 8.31 wt%, which is decided by the density of raw materials, volume elastic aftereffect of green compact and the volume fraction of interparticle gaps in green compact under pressing. The formation and evolution of amorphous SiO2 and lamellar graphite particles in PRNMCs with different PCS contents have been clarified. With increasing PCS content, the content of amorphous SiO2 particles beneficial to improve the strength and ductility of Ni-PCS composites keeps stable. However, the number and size of lamellar graphite particles harmful to tensile properties are acceleratedly increased. These results provide guide to designing high performance PRNMCs by in-situ PDPs method.