Effect of C/SiC Volume Ratios on Mechanical and Oxidation Behaviors of Cf/C-SiC Composites Fabricated by Chemical Vapor Infiltration Technique

C/SiC volume ratios in carbon fiber-reinforced carbon-silicon carbide (C_f/C-SiC) composites may influence greatly mechanical and oxidation properties of the composites, but have not been well investigated yet. Herein, C_f/C-SiC composites with different C/SiC volume ratios were fabricated by chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) technique through alternating the thickness of a pyrocarbon (PyC) interlayer. The composites with C/SiC volume ratios of 0.37 and 0.84 exhibited the better comprehensive mechanical properties. The CS0.37 showed the highest flexural strength of 340.6 MPa, and CS0.84 had the maximum tensile strength of 139.1 MPa. The excellent mechanical properties were closely related to the relatively low C/SiC volume ratios and porosities, optimum interfacial bonding and reduced matrix micro-cracks. The composite with a low C/SiC volume ratio of 0.10 showed the best anti-oxidation performance due to its high SiC content. The oxidation mechanisms at 1100 °C and 1400 °C were discussed by considering the effect of the C/SiC volume ratios, pores and matrix micro-cracks, oxidation of carbon phase and SiC.