Microstructure and mechanical properties of short carbon fibre/SiC multilayer composites prepared by tape casting

Silicon carbide multilayer composites containing short carbon fibres (C_sf/SiC) were prepared by tape casting and pressureless sintering. The C fibres were dispersed in solvents with dispersant (Triton X-100) firstly and then mixed with the SiC slurry to make green C_sf/SiC tapes. Fibres were homogeneously distributed in the tape and tended to align fairly well along the tape casting direction. The addition of short C fibre hindered the shrinkage in the plane containing the fibres as well as the grain growth of SiC during sintering. The weight loss occurring during oxidation tests of C_sf/SiC multilayer composites increased with fibre amount and material porosity. Elastic modulus of C_sf/SiC multilayer composites decreased linearly with fibre amount. Bending strength presented clear relationship with the relative density, that is with the total porosity.     

Simulation of Degraded Properties of 2D plain Woven C/SiC Composites under Preloading Oxidation Atmosphere

In this paper, a numerical model which incorporates the oxidation damage model and the finite element model of 2D plain woven composites is presented for simulation of the oxidation behaviors of 2D plain woven C/SiC composite under preloading oxidation atmosphere. The equal proportional reduction method is firstly proposed to calculate the residual moduli and strength of unidirectional C/SiC composite. The multi-scale method is developed to simulate the residual elastic moduli and strength of 2D plain woven C/SiC composite. The multi-scale method is able to accurately predict the residual elastic modulus and strength of the composite. Besides, the simulated residual elastic moduli and strength of 2D plain woven C/SiC composites under preloading oxidation atmosphere show good agreements with experimental results. Furthermore, the preload, oxidation time, temperature and fiber volume fractions of the composite are investigated to show their influences upon the residual elastic modulus and strength of 2D plain woven C/SiC composites.     

Processing and properties of Al–Li–SiCp composites

Al–Li–SiC_p composites were fabricated by a modified version of the conventional stir casting technique. Composites containing 8, 12 and 18 vol% SiC particles (40 mm) were fabricated. Hardness, tensile and compressive strengths of the unreinforced alloy and composites were determined. Ageing kinetics and effect of ageing on properties were also investigated. Additions of SiC particles increase the hardness, 0.2% proof stress, ultimate tensile strength and elastic modulus of Al–Li–8%SiC and Al–Li–12%SiC composites. In case of the composite reinforced with 18% SiC particles, although the elastic modulus increases the 0.2% proof stress and compressive strength were only marginally higher than the unreinforced alloy and lower than those of Al–Li–8%SiC and Al–Li–12%SiC composites. Clustering of SiC particles appears to be responsible for reduced the strength of Al–Li–18%SiC composite. The fracture surface of unreinforced 8090 Al-Li alloy (8090Al) shows a dimpled structure, indicating ductile mode of failure. Fracture in composites occurs by a mixed mode, giving rise to a bimodal distribution of dimples in the fracture surface. Cleavage of SiC particles was also observed in the fracture surface of composites. Composites show higher peak hardness and lower peak ageing time compared with unreinforced 8090Al alloy. Macroand microhardness increase significantly after peak ageing. Ageing also results in considerable improvement in strength of the unreinforced 8090Al alloy and its composites. This is attributed to formation of δ^' (Al₃Li) and S^' (Al₂CuMg) precipitates during ageing. Per cent elongation, however, decreases due to age hardening. Al–Li–12%SiC, which shows marginally lower UTS and compressive strength than the Al–Li–8%SiC composite in extruded condition, exhibits higher strength than Al–Li–8%SiC in peak-aged condition.     

Processing and properties of Al–Li–SiCp composites

Al–Li–SiC_p composites were fabricated by a modified version of the conventional stir casting technique. Composites containing 8, 12 and 18 vol% SiC particles (40 μm) were fabricated. Hardness, tensile and compressive strengths of the unreinforced alloy and composites were determined. Ageing kinetics and effect of ageing on properties were also investigated. Additions of SiC particles increase the hardness, 0.2% proof stress, ultimate tensile strength and elastic modulus of Al–Li–8%SiC and Al–Li–12%SiC composites. In case of the composite reinforced with 18% SiC particles, although the elastic modulus increases the 0.2% proof stress and compressive strength were only marginally higher than the unreinforced alloy and lower than those of Al–Li–8%SiC and Al–Li–12%SiC composites. Clustering of SiC particles appears to be responsible for reduced the strength of Al–Li–18%SiC composite. The fracture surface of unreinforced 8090 Al-Li alloy (8090Al) shows a dimpled structure, indicating ductile mode of failure. Fracture in composites occurs by a mixed mode, giving rise to a bimodal distribution of dimples in the fracture surface. Cleavage of SiC particles was also observed in the fracture surface of composites. Composites show higher peak hardness and lower peak ageing time compared with unreinforced 8090Al alloy. Macro- and microhardness increase significantly after peak ageing. Ageing also results in considerable improvement in strength of the unreinforced 8090Al alloy and its composites. This is attributed to formation of δ^′ (Al₃Li) and S^′ (Al₂CuMg) precipitates during ageing. Per cent elongation, however, decreases due to age hardening. Al–Li–12%SiC, which shows marginally lower UTS and compressive strength than the Al–Li–8%SiC composite in extruded condition, exhibits higher strength than Al–Li–8%SiC in peak-aged condition.     

三向正交碳纤维增强纳米碳化硅生物复合材料的制备和力学性能

碳纤维增强的纳米碳化硅陶瓷基复合材料力学性能优良,且具有一定的生物相容性,因此可作为一种新型的可取代钛合金的全尺寸整体人工骨骼。研究了具有三向正交结构的T300和M30碳纤维预制体对C/SiC复合材料制备过程和抗弯强度的影响规律。以聚碳硅烷为先驱体,以二乙烯基苯为溶剂和交连剂,采用聚合物浸渍热解法制备了C/SiC复合材料,采用阿基米德排水法测量其密度和气孔率,采用三点抗弯法测量其抗弯强度。M30 C/SiC抗弯强度比T300 C/SiC高6.7％,表明碳纤维弹性模量对复合材料基体开裂强度有显著影响,并通过增加纤维径向强度以及承担载荷的比例提高了复合材料的断裂强度。      

界面过渡层对SiC/Al双连续相复合材料性能的影响

研究了界面过渡层对SiC/Al双连续相复合材料性能的影响.结果表明,界面过渡层降低了复合材料中的残余应力,改善了界面的结合,提高了复合材料的压缩性能.当界面过渡层中SiC的体积分数接近50%时,复合材料的压缩强度最高,塑性最好,但弹性模量较低.界面过渡层的存在改变了复合材料的弯曲断裂机制.SiC原始泡沫增强的复合材料在断裂时,增强体SiC泡沫先断裂,基体后破坏,断裂表面凹凸不平;含界面过渡层的复合材料断裂时,过渡层的外侧界面先被撕开,内侧界面结合良好,基体与增强体同时断裂,断口平整.     

纳米羟基磷灰石形貌对复合材料力学强度的影响

采用不同形貌的羟基磷灰石纳米粒子与聚酸酐材料复合,研究了羟基磷灰石形貌对复合材料力学强度的影响,并用扫描电子显微镜观察了复合材料的断面形态.结果发现羟基磷灰石的形貌对材料的压缩强度和压缩弹性模量影响较大:长针状羟基磷灰石增强效果较好,所得复合材料的压缩强度可达256MPa,压缩弹性模量可达9.8GPa;片状羟基磷灰石的复合材料力学强度较差,压缩强度最高只有160Mpa,压缩弹性模量最高只有7.9GPa.     

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Si_3N_4 Composites Containing SiC Platelet

Hoppressed Si3N4/SiC platelet composites had been investigated with respect to their microstructure and mechanical properties. The results indicate that Vickers hardness, elastic modulus and fracture toughness of the composites were increased by the addition of SiC platelet until the content up to 20 vol pct. A slight decrease in flexural Strength was measured at room temperature with increasing SiC platelet content. The high temperature flexural strength tests at 1150, 1250, and 1350℃ were conducted. It was found that the flexural strength at elevated temperature was degraded with the rising temperature, and the downward trend of flexural strength for the composite containing 10 vol. pct SiC platelet was less. The results indicate that SiC platelet had a positive influence on the high temperature strength. Effects of SiC platelet reinforcement were presented     

连续纤维增强树脂复合材料纵向压缩强度预测模型的发展及其影响因素

基于高强、高韧、高模和压拉平衡为特征的第三代先进复合材料的需求,综述了连续纤维增强树脂复合材料纵向压缩强度预测模型的发展历程。基于纤维微屈曲、纤维扭结带、联合预测模型及渐进损伤失效模型,分别讨论了连续纤维增强树脂复合材料压缩失效机制,并在联合预测模型基础上,探究了碳纤维（直径、模量、体积分数、初始偏角）、树脂基体（弹性模量、剪切模量）及纤维/树脂界面三要素对连续纤维增强树脂复合材料纵向压缩强度和压缩失效形式的影响。      

Tensile mechanical properties of SiC whiskers

An initial evaluation has been made of the tensile mechanical properties of SiC whiskers synthesized by a vapour-liquid-solid process. A micro-tensile tester and associated testing techniques were developed for this purpose. The SiC whiskers exhibit an average tensile strength of 8.40 GPa (1 220 000 psi) and an average elastic modulus of 581 GPa (84 300 000 psi), and were considerably stronger and stiffer than continuous, polycrystalline SiC fibres. These results indicate the significant potential of SiC whiskers as short-fibre reinforcement elements for ceramic matrix composites.     

The effect of nanostructure upon the compressive strength of carbon fibres

The relationship between the structure and the compressive strength of carbon fibres has been studied in detail. In order to determine the compressive strength, a combination of single-fibre composite tests and Raman spectroscopy was employed. It was found that the compressive stress–strain curves showed nonlinear behaviour, with modulus softening in compression. The compressive strengths for the fibres with a modulus ≥400 GPa were measured as ≤2 GPa and those with a modulus <400 GPa were >2 GPa. We have introduced a model to explain this behaviour that assumes that the fibres behave as composites consisting of both crystallites and amorphous carbon. It is suggested that the compressive strength is controlled by the critical stress for kinking the crystallites in the fibres. Hence, the compressive strength of carbon fibres is found to depend upon the shear modulus of the fibres and the orientation of the crystallites within them.     

Correlation of elastic properties of melt infiltrated SiC/SiC composites to in situ properties of constituent phases

The ability to correlate the elastic properties of melt infiltrated SiC/SiC composites to properties of constituent phases using a hybrid Finite Element approach is examined and the influence of material internal features, such as the fabric architecture and intra-tow voids, on such correlation is elucidated. Tensile testing was carried out in air at room temperature and 1204 °C. Through-thickness compressive elastic modulus utilizing the stacked disk method was measured at room temperature. In situ moduli of constituent materials were experimentally evaluated using nano-indentation techniques at room temperature. A consistent relationship is observed between constituent properties and composite properties for in-plane normal and shear moduli and Poisson’s ratio at room temperature. However, experimental data for through-thickness compressive elastic modulus is lower than the calculated value. It is hypothesized that the existence of voids inside the fiber tows and their collapse under compressive loads is the cause of such discrepancy. Estimates for the change in elastic moduli of constituent phases with temperature were obtained from literature and used to calculate the elastic properties of the composites at 1204 °C. A reasonable correlation between the in-plane elastic moduli of the composite and the in situ elastic properties of constituent phases is observed.     

Effect of oxidation on elastic modulus of C/C–SiC composites

The main objective of present work was to observe the performance of 3D C/C–SiC composites with the exposure of oxy-acetylene gas flame in open atmosphere. Duration of exposure time was increased to measure the weight loss, elastic modulus, microhardness and thermal degradation. Also, XRD pattern was obtained to compare the behaviour of oxidized and unoxidized C/C–SiC composites. The amount of heat transferred to the base material depends upon the torch distance from the materials. The results clearly indicate that the excess amount of carbon was oxidized with the oxygen to form carbon mono oxide. The matrix materials undergo pyrolysis reactions within short periods, which generate volatiles and leave behind a porous skeleton of carbon fibres. The thermal properties (microvolt) microhardness, tensile stress and elastic modulus of C/C–SiC composite was reduced abruptly with increase of exposure time. XRD pattern also shows that the number of peaks and height of signals reduced with the increase of exposure time, which clearly indicates that the morphological changes were induced within the short period and losses carbon and silicon particles.     

Fabrication, mechanical properties and thermal stability of a novel glass matrix composite material reinforced by short oxycarbide fibres

An aluminosilicate glass matrix composite material reinforced by randomly oriented SiC-based (Tyranno) chopped fibres was fabricated. Slurry dipping and hot-pressing techniques were used to prepare dense composites containing 45 vol% fibres uniformly dispersed in the glass matrix. The mechanical properties and fracture mechanisms of the composite under flexion and compression loading were studied. In flexure, the composite showed higher modulus and strength than the unreinforced glass. However, in compression, the strength of the composite was lower than that of the monolithic glass. Considering the potential application of the material at high temperatures, the thermal aging behaviour of the composite in air at temperatures between 500 and 700°C was investigated. The composite retained its room-temperature compressive strength after exposure for 26 h at 500°C. The variation of compressive strength measured after exposures at higher temperatures was ascribed to mechanisms of fibre/matrix interface oxidation and to the softening of the glass matrix.     

Mechanical properties of cellulose fibre reinforced vinyl-ester composites in wet conditions

The effect of prolonged water absorption on the physical and mechanical properties has been investigated for vinyl-ester composites reinforced with natural fibres. The elastic modulus of these composites was measured and the data were validated with various mathematical models. The modelling results revealed that the experimental data matched the data predicted by the Cox–Krenchel model. Prolonged exposure of these composites to water absorption caused a reduction in elastic modulus and strength.     

Plasma surface modification of advanced organic fibres

The interlaminar shear strength, interlaminar fracture energy, flexural strength and modulus of extended-chain polyethylene/epoxy composites are improved substantially when the fibres are pretreated in an ammonia plasma to introduce amine groups on to the fibre surface. These property changes are examined in terms of the microscopic properties of the fibre/matrix interface. Fracture surface micrographs show clean interfacial tensile and shear fracture in composites made from untreated fibres, indicative of a weak interfacial bond. In contrast, fracture surfaces of composites made from ammonia plasma-treated fibres exhibit fibre fibrillation and internal shear failure as well as matrix cracking, suggesting stronger fibre/matrix bonding, in accord with the observed increase in interlaminar fracture energy and shear strength. Failure of flexural test specimens occurs exclusively in compression, and the enhanced flexural strength and modulus of composites containing plasma-treated fibres result mainly from reduced compressive fibre buckling and debonding due to stronger interfacial bonding. Fibre treatment by ammonia plasma also causes an appreciable loss in the transverse ballistic impact properties of the composite, in accord with a higher fibre/matrix interfacial bond strength.     

无应力氧化下C/SiC复合材料弹性性能模拟及验证

结合复合材料氧化质量损失率模型和混合率公式, 发展了单向C/SiC复合材料在无应力氧化下的弹性模量预测方法。对400~700 ℃和700~900 ℃两种氧化机制下C/SiC复合材料的弹性模量进行了预测, 分析了氧化温度、氧化时间和纤维体积含量对C/SiC复合材料弹性模量的影响。开展了单向C/SiC复合材料在650 ℃和800 ℃空气环境下的无应力氧化试验, 建立了复合材料质量损失率与氧化时间的变化关系, 得到了氧化后材料拉伸应力-应变曲线。同时, 将理论预测值与试验结果进行对比, 发现理论值与试验值基本吻合, 从而验证了该方法能够有效地预测无应力氧化下陶瓷基复合材料的弹性性能。     

Mechanical properties of carbon fibre-reinforced glasses

Carbon fibre-reinforced glasses exhibit very high values of flexural strength but usually a much less controlled fracture behaviour than SiC fibre-reinforced glasses. Some carbon fibre/glass composite combinations show a well controlled fracture, others a brittle fracture behaviour. The former combinations occasionally exhibit an increase in strength after an abrupt breakdown from the maximum strength. No correlation exists between the strength of the composites and the stresses in the glass matrix due to the thermal expansion mismatch between carbon fibres and glasses in contrast to the SiC fibre composites. The reason for that is seen in the structure of the surface and mainly in the anisotropic properties of the fibres, such as the large differences in the Young's moduli and thermal expansion coefficients parallel and perpendicular to the fibre axis. In particular, no radial compressive stress on the fibres can be built up at the fibre/glass interface because the thermal expansion coefficient of the fibres in the radial direction is much larger than that of the glass matrices used. Thus, the mechanism of load transfer from the matrix to the fibres is a complicated one, and cannot easily be predicted as in the case of the isotropic SiC fibres. A possible mechanism is described in order to interpret the experimental results.     

Compressive strength of a rigid-rod polymer fibre embedded in an isotropic matrix

The results are presented of an approximate elastic stability analysis for an anisotropic polymer fibre under compressive stress, which is embedded in an isotropic elastic matrix. This case, which thus far has not been treated properly, corresponds most closely to the experiments, which yield the best quantitative measurements of the compressive strength of high-modulus polymer fibres. Within the limits of a weak matrix, i.e. the shear modulus of the matrix is small compared to the shear modulus of the fibre, a simple analytical formula has been obtained for the compressive strength of the fibre in terms of its longitudinal Young's modulus, and the Poisson's ratio and shear modulus of the matrix. On the other hand, for a strong matrix the compressive strength of the fibre is solely determined by its shear modulus. For the intermediate regime, a simple but highly accurate interpolating expression has been constructed.     

Fatigue Life Prediction of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Ceramic-Matrix Composites at Room and Elevated Temperatures. Part I: Experimental Analysis

This paper presents an experimental analysis on the fatigue behavior in C/SiC ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs) with different fiber preforms, i.e., unidirectional, cross-ply and 2.5D woven, at room and elevated temperatures in air atmosphere. The experimental fatigue life S???N curves of C/SiC composites corresponding to different stress levels and test conditions have been obtained. The damage evolution processes under fatigue loading have been analyzed using fatigue hysteresis modulus and fatigue hysteresis loss energy. By comparing the experimental fatigue hysteresis loss energy with theoretical computational values, the interface shear stress corresponding to different peak stress, fiber preforms and test conditions have been estimated. It was found that the degradation of interface shear stress and fibres strength caused by oxidation markedly decreases the fatigue life of C/SiC composites at elevated temperature.