The mechanical properties of ceramic matrix composite composed of polysilazane-derived silicon oxycarbonitride ceramic with nano alumina

Abstract

The primary objective of this study is to develop ceramic-based composite materials by synthesizing silicon oxycarbonitride (SiCNO) ceramic from a liquid polysilazane precursor. The SiCNO ceramic powder is incorporated with nano alumina powder, compressed, and pyrolyzed at varying temperatures to produce ceramic bulks. The experimental findings reveal a substantial enhancement in the mechanical properties of alumina with the incorporation of SiCNO ceramic powder. The addition of 10 wt% SiCNO ceramic powder to the alumina ceramic matrix composite results in a 34.5% increase in compressive strength and 41.3% increase in compressive modulus compared to pure alumina. Notably, the sample containing 20 wt% SiCNO ceramic powder in the alumina ceramic matrix, pyrolyzed at 1100 °C, demonstrates a remarkable 151.1% increase in flexural strength compared to pure alumina. These results underscore the effective enhancement of alumina's mechanical properties by SiCNO ceramic powder as a component, while maintaining a relatively low density.