Interfacial Mechanical Characterization of Nicalon SiC Fiber/Alumina-Based Composites

Interfacial mechanical properties of both Nicalon SiC/aluminum borate and Nicalon SiC/aluminum phosphate with various fiber coatings and heat treatments were evaluated using a commercially-available indenter to induce fiber sliding during load cycling experiments. Varying degrees of sliding due to different coating materials were found. The interfacial characteristics including the shear, the residual axial fiber, and debond stresses were estimated by matching the experimental stress-displacement curves with curves predicted from an existing model. The elastic modulus and hardness of the interphase/interface in ceramic matrix composites were also evaluated. These results provided important insights into the ultimate mechanical performance of fiber-reinforced ceramic-matrix composites.