Preparation and mechanical properties of silicon carbide whisker reinforced silicon carbide mini composites

Silicon carbide whisker reinforced silicon carbide mini composites were prepared by Chemical vapor infiltration (CVI), and the microstructure and mechanical properties were studied. The results show that the volume percent of whisker in the composites can reach 45%-50%, The average value of Vickers-hardness and the fracture toughness of the composites can reach 19.04 GPa and 6.72 MP·m^1/2, respectively. there are some toughening mechanism such as whisker bridge, whisker rupture, pull out, crack deflection which are produced by the incorporation of SiC_W. The preparation of SiC_W/SiC mini laid the foundation for subsequent fabrication of SiC_W/SiC composites.