Continuous SiC fibers-ZrB2 composites

• Published in: Journal of the European Ceramic Society Vol. 35; no. 16; pp. 4371 - 4376
• Main Authors: Zoli, L., Medri, V., Melandri, C., Sciti, D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-12-2015
• Subjects: Ceramic matrix composites; Infiltration; SiC fibers; Sintering; UHTC—CMC; ZrB2; SiC fibers; ZrB2; Ceramic matrix composites; Infiltration; Sintering; UHTC—CMC
• ISSN: 0955-2219; 1873-619X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2015.08.008

ZrB2—continuous SiC fiber composites were prepared by vacuum-bag infiltration and hot pressing, using SiC fabric preforms. Vacuum bag infiltration was effective when unidirectional fiber layers in a 0–90° architecture were infiltrated with an aqueous ZrB2-rich slurry. Sintering was carried out at temperatures between 1450 and 1600°C to study the effect on densification and microstructural features. With a fiber content of around 50vol%, the composites had a density of 4g/cm3 and final porosities lower than 10vol%. Flexural strength was measured at room and high temperature in air. Irrespective of the processing temperature, strength values were 150–170MPa up to 1200°C and 110MPa at 1500°C. Short-term oxidation tests were conducted at 1650°C in a bottom-up furnace.