Whisker reinforced structural ceramics: Progress in the VLS growth and use of long silicon carbide whiskers. [Vapor-liquid-solid]

A VLS (vapor-liquid-solid) whisker growth process, optimized for the production of short (approx.10 mm lengths) SiC whiskers, was modified to produce greater than or equal to 25 mm long whiskers. In conjunction with this modification, a plan was developed for incorporating an artificial-intelligence system to enhance the whisker growth process. An oriented whisker ribbon was produced from the long whiskers, as a step toward the development of a staple whisker yarn.