Matrix modification of laminated SiC^w/SiC ceramic composites

Laminated SiC^w/SiC ceramic composites were fabricated by chemical vapor infiltration and tape casting, and the effects of matrix modification on microstructure and strengthening/toughening of the composites were investigated by polymer infltration and pyrolysis and liquid silicon infiltration. With increasing cycles of polymer infltration and pyrolysis, density of the composites increased effectively, and the flexural strength and fracture toughness increased obviously. With increasing time of liquid silicon infiltration, density of the composites increased significantly, but the flexural strength and fracture toughness increased firstly and then decreased gradually. After modification by polymer infiltration and pyrolysis, the bonding of interfacial and interlaminar was not changed, and the density increase led to the property increase. After modification by liquid silicon infiltration, the interlaminar bonding was not changed and interfacial bonding of whisker/matrix was strengthened, and the density increase led to the property increase.