Preparation and characterization of an oxide-oxide continuous fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite with a zinc oxide interphase

Abstract

In this study, metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) was used to deposit zinc oxide (ZnO) for use as a ceramic matrix composite (CMC) interphase. ZnO coatings (400–500nm) were deposited on 3M Nextel™ 610 fabric by thermal decomposition of zinc acetate dihydrate in a low pressure hot wall CVD reactor. An α-alumina matrix was applied to the 8 ply fabric lay up for a total CMC porosity of 30% with 32% fiber volume. The morphology, structure and strength of the resulting continuous fiber CMC were characterized in conjunction with a control CMC with no interphase. The results show that when a zinc acetate dihydrate precursor is used, a functional interphase can be obtained. Flexural strength of the Oxide-Oxide CMC could be increased up to 30% upon addition of this oxide interphase with corresponding toughening mechanisms.