Functions of matrix phase are as follows
- To bind reinforcing particle / fibre strongly
- It acts as medium for distribution of applied load to the dispersed phase.
- It keeps the reinforcing fibre I proper orientation for the high strength development
- It prevents propagation of cracks due to its plasticity
Functions of Dispersed phase are as follows
The dispersed phase comprises of fibres, normally with small diameter preferred to bulk ones. A special type of fibres widely known as Whiskers are used
Whiskers have following properties
- They are very thin single crystals
- They possess extremely large length / diameter ratios
- They are flaw free
- They are small in size, hence the degree of crystalline perfection obtained is high
- They are exceptionally strong
All above properties make whiskers highly useful as reinforcing fibres as dispersed phase, but still these are not very commonly used due to following reasons
- They are very costly
- The process of incorporating them in matrix phase is tedious
- Examples of whiskers are oxides of aluminium, carbides ad nitrites of silicon, Graphite’s