Creep in interlaminar shear of an Hi-Nicalon™/SiC–B4C composite at 1300℃ in air and in steam

Abstract

Creep behavior in interlaminar shear of an advanced SiC/SiC composite with a self-healing matrix was investigated at 1300℃ in laboratory air and in steam. The composite was processed via chemical vapor infiltration (CVI). The composite has a self-healing oxidation-inhibited matrix comprising alternating layers of silicon carbide and boron carbide and is reinforced with laminated woven Hi-Nicalon™ fibers. Fiber preforms were coated with pyrolytic carbon followed by a boron carbon overlay. The interlaminar shear properties were evaluated at 1300℃. The creep behavior was examined for interlaminar shear stresses ranging from 13 to 20 MPa in air and in steam. Primary and secondary creep regimes were observed in all tests conducted in air and in steam. Creep run-out (defined as 100 h at creep stress) was achieved at 13 MPa in air and in steam. Presence of steam had little influence on creep strain rates and creep lifetimes. However, larger creep strains were accumulated in steam than in air. The retained properties of all specimens that achieved creep run-out were characterized. Composite microstructure and damage and failure mechanisms were investigated.