Cyclic oxidation of FeCrAlY/Al2O3 composites

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Three-ply composites consisting of a FeCrAlY matrix and continuous single crystal Al2O3 (sapphire) fibers were cyclically oxidized at 1,000° and 1,100°C for up to 1,000 1-h cycles. FeCrAlY matrix only samples were also fabricated and tested for comparison. Fiber ends were exposed at the ends of the composite samples. Following cyclic oxidation, cracks running parallel to and perpendicular to the fibers were observed on the large surface of the composite. In addition, there was evidence of increased scale damage and spallation around the exposed fiber ends, particularly around the middle ply fibers. This damage was more pronounced at the higher temperature. The exposed fiber ends showed cracking between fibers in the outer plies, occasionally with Fe and Cr-rich oxides growing out of the cracks. Large gaps developed at the fiber–matrix interface around many of the fibers, especially those in the outer plies. Oxygen penetrated many of these gaps resulting in significant oxide formation at the fiber–matrix interface far within the composite sample. Around several fibers, the matrix was also internally oxidized showing Al2O3 precipitates in a radial band around the fibers. The results show that these composites have poor cyclic oxidation resistance due to the CTE mismatch and inadequate fiber–matrix bond strength at temperatures of 1,000°C and above.