Thermo-mechanical characterization of carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide composites having boron nitride as an interphase material

Abstract

The carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide composites were prepared by an isothermal chemical vapour infiltration process. In order to achieve the required density, the carbon fiber preforms in the form of rectangular panels were infiltrated by silicon carbide (SiC) matrix. Prior to the matrix infiltration, a thin coating of boron nitride, as an interphase, was applied on the fiber preform. The test samples were subjected to seal coating of silicon carbide by chemical vapour deposition process. The effect of protective SiC seal coating was examined by testing (3-point bend test) the uncoated and the seal coated samples at different temperatures. Higher value of the flexural strength was observed for the seal coated samples as compared to the uncoated samples, when got tested at high temperature (up to 1400 °C). The detailed analysis of the fractured surfaces of the tested samples was carried out.