Composite material based on nanocrystalline SiC reinforced with continuous SiC fibers

A paste of nanocrystalline particles was obtained by magnetron sputtering of a target consisting of silicon and graphite powders. The target and a silico-organic oil were evaporated together. Model specimens were fabricated from the paste and continuous SiC fibers. interaction between the fibers and nanoparticles was investigated by measuring the internal friction of the model composite materials. It was found that sintering occurs in 16-20 h at 1473-1500 K for pastes containing nanoparticles with a diameter of = 2-4 nm, and in 60-100 h for pastes with diameter = 6-10 nm. The sinterng temperature is 230-270 K below the degradation temperature of the fibers. It was shown that it is possible to manufacture a composite material consisting of a nanocrystalline SiC matrix reinforced with continuous SiC fibers. The bend strength of the composite was sigma(B) = (73 +/- 9).10(7) Pa at 1500 K, and (64 +/- 12).10(7) Pa after thermal cycling at 1500 K for 100 h.