Results in research and development of structural ceramics (high-temperature ceramic monolithic and composite materials based on high-melting nitrides, carbides, and oxides (Si 3 N 4 , BN, SiC, Al 2 O 3 , ZrO 2 ) and wollastonite) are reported from the Tekhnologiya Research and Production Enterprise. Superior properties of the materials are emphasized.The Research and Development (R&D) Center "Structural ceramic materials, constructions, fabrication technology, and operational reliability management of thermally stressed ceramic components" set up at the Tekhnologiya Research and Production Enterprise and currently headed by Academician A. G. Romashin has gained general acceptance within the relevant scientific communities both at home and abroad [1 -3].Researchers and engineers at the R&D Center have made a significant contribution to the theoretical and experimental study of new ceramic materials intended for structural engineering applications. Scientific foundations for the design of thermally stressed components made up from brittle materials have been laid. New standard engineering solutions and design principles have been formulated, and programs for thermal strength analysis and integrated operational reliability management have been developed within the conceptual scheme material -properties -numerical analysis -structure -technology -trial tests (Fig. 1).A unique research and production base in Russia and, perhaps, over the world has been set up equipped with advanced facilities (high-temperature furnaces operating at 1700 -2200°C under vacuum and 1750°C in air, vacuumcompression furnace, hot-pressing units, a hydrodynamic pressing machine, gas and tunnel furnaces, mechanical testing machines operating at 1600°C in air and 2000°C under vacuum and in an inert medium).A total of 30 structural ceramic materials based on silicon carbide and nitride, alumina and zirconia, and boron nitride and aluminum titanate with controlled microstructure and tailored properties for operation in the temperature range of 1500 -1800°C, in conformance with international standards on mechanical, thermophysical, and tribological characteristics and resistance to aggressive media, have been developed. The materials and technologies for their preparation have been supported by patents and have found applica-
As is well known [1][2][3][4], the isostatic method of pressing is one of the prospective methods in the production of refractories. The authors*of the present article developed a mold for making crucibles 150 mm high and 220 mm in diameter by the isostatic method using a "free matrix" scheme. The mold is shown in Fig. 1. It consists of a rigid matrix-ring 1, fitted on a thread in a flange 2 placed on the columns 3, and spring loaded on the axle of the press mold with springs 4. The external rigid-plunger 5 is connected with the upper plate 6. The internal elastically deformable plunger (press buffer) 7 made of polyurethane is fitted to the rigid cylindrical table-pusher 8 connected by means of a shaft 9 and an ejector 10 with the press ejector 11. The annular ejector 12 is installed concentrically on the table-pusher 8 on a cross piece 13, connected with a locking device 14. Two electromechanical vibrators 15 of the type PV-66 are fitted to the flange 2, and the intermediate plate 16 --to the bottom plate 17. The regulating supports 18 are placed on the upper plate 6.
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