Ceramic matrix composites with carbon nanophases: Development, structure, mechanical and tribological properties and electrical conductivity

Abstract

Carbon based nanophases, such as carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoplatelets, are materials with exceptional properties such as mechanical strength, stiffness, electrical and thermal conductivity. Recently, they have been used as additives to ceramic matrix materials (based on Si3N4, SiC, B4C) with the aim to improve their fracture toughness and strength, tribological behavior (reduce friction acting as solid lubricant and increase wear resistance due to improved toughness), as well as to increase their electrical conductivity. The article brings the summary of these worldwide efforts. It describes the development of the new materials, their preparation by novel techniques, microstructure characterization, mechanical properties, tribological behavior, and electrical conductivity results.