Rapid expansion of technologies poses higher requirements to structural materials and items made of them. Conventional materials are being replaced by composite materials (composites). Different additives enhancing the properties of initial materials are used as reinforcement fibers of composites. Utilization of micro-and nanosize particles for production of present-day materials is paid much attention to. Whiskers are among such materials. These crystals have high strength, high chemical and temperature resistance. But for rational utilization of whickers of different chemical composition in composite materials one should know their physical and chemical properties. Objectives of the paper: to study physical and chemical properties of whiskers in different compounds, their composition and structure; to prove experimentally the feasibility of utilizing whiskers as a reinforcement fiber of composite materials. Object of study: specimens of whiskers of silicon nitride (Si3N4), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), aluminum nitride (AlN), and mullite (Al6Si2O13). Methods of investigation: thermal study of specimens, study of mechanical properties and chemical strength, and IR-spectroscopy. Results of study: specimens of whiskers have been studied and their mechanical properties have been tabulated for comparison. Extensive thermal investigation was followed by deduction of regularities and identification of chemical properties of whiskers. IR-spectra of whiskers have been studied and conclusions on molecular composition and on presence of impurities in some whiskers have been made.

Present-day materials science requires development of compositions and technologies for production of composites with enhanced physical and technical properties. One of requirements towards such materials is an elevated heat strength. Materials, earlier used in electrothermy (ceramics, porcelain, asbestos and items made of them), have operating temperature of 400-500°С, high cost, low mechanical strength and a number of other drawbacks. Therefore, development of heat-resistant, mechanically strong and inexpensive insulation materials is an immediate problem. Mica’s characteristics to the maximum extent meet the requirements to a filler for the composite materials. Its use would enhance electric and physical properties of composites, contribute to development of waste-free technology, thus favoring the environment. Objectives of the paper: development of technology for production of heat-resistant materials on the base of heat-proof mica and special glass with elevated softening point; study of the interaction between composite components and high-temperature medium; giving recommendations on technology for fabricating heat-resistant composites with enhanced physical and technical properties. Objects of study: specimens of heat-proof mica (phlogopite), wastes of abrasive production, modifiers, glasses with high softening point. Methods of investigation: methods of thermodynamic and quantum-chemical studies were used with involvement of a complex of state-of-art physical and chemical methods. Results of study: development of theoretical grounds for forming the heat-resistant composite materials on the base of experimental studies and scientific generalizations. The technology for production of new heat-resistant materials on the base of rational use of mineral raw material and production wastes is proposed.

Intensification of the existing technological processes as well as introduction of innovative technology are not conceivable without applying high-temperature electric heating. There is much concern about new generation materials with increased heat resistance, which can withstand the service temperature of 12000C for a long period of operation. The research aim: to develop the physical and chemical principles for manufacturing heat-resistant mica-phosphate materials with high performance characteristics. The objects of the research are compositions of powdered mica from various deposits with the aluminum-chromium-phosphate bounding component at the component ratio 1: 1. Research methods: a number of modern physical and chemical methods were used: x-ray phase and thermal analyses, as well as IR spectroscopy method. Research results: as a matter of the experimental studies and scientific generalization, the regularities in the “mica - phosphate bounding component” system are revealed. The parameters that allow obtaining heat-resistant mica-containing materials with high performance characteristics for a wide range of applications in various scientific based areas of engineering and construction industry are determined and improved.

Developing an asphalt concrete composition with improved physical, mechanical and operational characteristics is an urgent issue all over the world. To improve the asphalt mix proportion, reinforcing components are added to its composition. An advanced reinforcing filler is wollastonite. The research aim: to study the possibility of utilizing wollastonite concentrate instead of traditional limestone fillers in the asphalt mix proportion and to determine its effect on the durability of the road surface. The objects of the study are some samples of asphalt concrete with a different quantitative ratio of wollastonite fillers and various types of crushed aggregate. Research methods: in accordance with standard techniques, the physical and mechanical characteristics of the samples were determined. Research results: the optimum amount of wollastonite concentrate for the asphalt concrete composition was found; the improvement of physical and mechanical characteristics of asphalt concrete due to the applying of wollastonite concentrate was acknowledged; the optimum roadway surfacing that consists of several layers was developed.