The Influence of Interface Structure and Composition on the Response of Single-Fiber SiC/Ti-6Al-4V Composites to Transverse Tension

Abstract

The cruciform specimen geometry has recently been established to investigate the transverse tensile behavior of single-fiber or multiple-fiber titanium matrix composites; however, the results on only relatively few commercially-available fibers have been reported to date. The present study reports the transverse behavior of a range of SiC fibers prepared by different manufacturers and with different surface coatings. The mechanical response of the composite and the damage present at the interfacial region have been documented. In general, the stress–strain behavior was found to be sensitive to the chemical and structural nature of the fiber–matrix interfacial region. Fibers with carbon-rich coatings were found to have a range of interfacial strengths depending on the structure of the interface layers, while uncoated fiber interfaces have a high strength. This study demonstrates the value of the single-fiber transverse cruciform test for quantitatively comparing the behavior of various fibers and coatings, and shows that it can be useful for coating development studies.