Sintered fused silica based composites

In present work, complex mixtures were designed based on fused SiO(2), beta-SiC and different oxide additives. The addition of Al(2)O(3) and mulite - 3Al(2)O(3) 2SiO(2) influence was investigated in order to obtain high temperature strength, thermal shock resistant and corrosion resistant composites. Thermal treatment was conducted in conventionally electric furnace in air and in argon respectively, in the 800-1250 degrees C temperature range. Sintered composites were characterised by bulk density, open porosity, and thermal shock resistance and thermal expansion measurements. The crystalline phase evolution in conjunction with each heat curing procedure was analysed by X-ray diffraction and FTIR spectrometry. Microstructure investigation of sintered samples was carried using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The relationship between the FTIR spectra and structure of the powders and sintered composites was explained