Improving mechanical properties of SiCw/SiC composite by phase content optimization via reactive melt infiltration

Zhiwei Gao, Xinyuan Lv, Fang Ye, Laifei Cheng, Shangwu Fan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Inspired by the preparation methods of continuous fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites (CFCCs), a novel silicon carbide whiskers (SiCw)-toughened SiC CMC with isotropic high strength and toughness, high density, and relatively low cost and short manufacturing cycle is prepared by a combination of gel-casting (GC) and reactive melt infiltration (RMI). The content and degree of graphitization of resin carbon during RMI are altered by annealing the SiCw/C mixture and adjusting the amount of SiCw to optimize phase composition and improve the mechanical properties of SiCw/SiC composites. The results reveal that the content of SiC phase is directly related to the flexural strength, reaching a maximum value of 339 MPa at 83 vol%. Also, the increase in C content increases the fracture toughness, reaching a value of 6.2 MPa m1/2 at carbon content of 4.6 vol%. The toughening of SiCw/SiC composites is realized by SiCw toughening, residual SiCw/C toughening and SiC particle toughening.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)33712-33721
Number of pages10
JournalCeramics International
Volume48
Issue number22
DOIs
StatePublished - 15 Nov 2022

Keywords

  • Ceramic matrix composites
  • Mechanical properties
  • Reactive melt infiltration
  • SiC matrix
  • Silicon carbide whiskers (SiC)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Improving mechanical properties of SiCw/SiC composite by phase content optimization via reactive melt infiltration'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this