Solution based processing and properties of carbon fiber reinforced SiC + ZrO2 composites. (16th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Padmavathi, N.; Ghosal, P.; Ray, K.K.
• Is Part Of: Composites science and technology. Volume 106(2015)
• Page Start: 55
• Page End: 59
• Publication Date: 2015-01-16
• Subjects: A. Carbon fibers -- B. Mechanical properties -- D. Scanning electron microscopy -- E. Heat treatment; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Composite materials; Fibrous composites; Periodicals; 620.118
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2014.11.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0266-3538

Abstract

Abstract: Uni-directional carbon fiber (Cf ) reinforced SiC + ZrO2 composites were prepared by a solution approach in which the matrix was prepared using water-soluble precursors of colloidal silica, sucrose and zirconium oxychloride as sources of silica, carbon and zirconia respectively. After suitable heat treatment, the precursors convert into fine SiC + ZrO2 particles with a uniform dispersion. In Cf /SiC + ZrO2 composites, in situ formation of SiC + ZrO2 provides an effective way for uniform dispersion of SiC and ZrO2 in the matrix. Analysis indicates complete reaction of the precursors to yield SiC + ZrO2 as the composite matrix. The room temperature mechanical properties and the fracture behaviour of the composites were examined. A tensile strength of 617 ± 54 MPa and fracture energy of 2.69 ± 0.9 MJ/m 3 were obtained. The tensile strength of Cf /SiC + ZrO2 composites was twice that of Cf /SiC composites produced by same approach. This is attributed to stabilization of the zirconia phase in the presence of the SiC phase by tailoring the starting materials and their composition.