SiC (SCS-6) fiber reinforced–reaction formed SiC matrix composites: Microstructure and interfacial properties

Microstructural and interfacial characterization of unidirectional SiC (SCS-6) fiber reinforced–reaction formed SiC (RFSC) composites has been carried out. Silicon–1.7 at.% molybdenum alloy was used as the melt infiltrant, instead of pure silicon, to reduce the activity of silicon in the melt as well as to reduce the amount of free silicon in the matrix. Electron microprobe analysis was used to evaluate the microstructure and phase distribution in these composites. The matrix is SiC with a bi-modal grain-size distribution and small amounts of MoSi2, silicon, and carbon. Fiber push-outs tests on these composites showed that a desirably low interfacial shear strength was achieved. The average debond shear stress at room temperature varied with specimen thickness from 29 to 64 MPa, with higher values observed for thinner specimens. Initial frictional sliding stresses showed little thickness dependence with values generally close to 30 MPa. Push-out test results showed very little change when the test temperature was increased to 800 °C from room temperature, indicating an absence of significant residual stresses in the composite.