Hardened and Toughened Silicon Carbide Composite

Composition hardening and microstructure toughening are proposed to develop a low cost silicon carbide-based multiphase composite for advanced armor applications. In the Phase I program, different reinforcement particles and volume fraction have beenexamined. The hardened and toughened silicon carbide has been demonstrated through this composite approach. The material/process optimization and dynamic behavior investigation are proposed in the Phase II program. Silicon carbide phase transformation,composite micromechanics, and chemical stability will be examined to optimize both hardness and fracture toughness simultaneously. The optimized material/process will be selected and characterized under high strain rates. Phenomenology testing, armorceramic characterization and armor system design will be performed to understand the dynamic properties of the hardened and toughened silicon carbide and to demonstrate the efficiency as the armor ceramic component through an armor system under a specificthreat. The program is based on Ceradyne's extensive development, manufacturing and marketing background for both ceramic fabrication and armor system design and assembly. The commercialization of this new material is not only going through Ceradyne'sexiting marketing and sales channels for ceramic components as armor and industrial wear parts but is also carrying out as ceramic hard-face in Ceradyne's designed armor systems. The unique business capability at Ceradyne can successfully commercializethe technology.Silicon carbide is the most appropriate ceramic for vehicle armor for military, law enforcement and protective service industry. The hardened and toughened silicon carbide could benefit both public and private armored vehicles used for humanitariandemining and unexploded ordnance cleanup. The resulting silicon carbide can be used in high temperature and corrosive industrial processing applications as a wear-resistant material.