Effect of SiC nanowires on the thermal shock resistance of joint between carbon/carbon composites and Li2O-Al2O3-SiO2 glass ceramics

In order to improve the bonding property of joint between SiC modified carbon/carbon (C/C) composites and Li2O-Al2O3-SiO2 (LAS) glass ceramics, SiC nanowires were attempted as the reinforcement materials in the interface region of SiC transition layer and Li2O-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2 (LMAS) gradient joining interlayer. The C/C LAS joint with SiC nanowire-reinforced interface layer was prepared by a three-step technique of pack cementation, in situ reaction and hot-pressing. The microstructure and thermal shock resistance of the as-prepared joints were examined. The average shear strength of the joined samples with SiC nanowires increased from 24.9 MEPa to 31.6 MPa after 40 thermal cycles between 1000 degrees C and room temperature, while that of the joined samples without SiC nanowires dropped from 21.4 MPa to 8.3 MPa. The increase of thermal shock resistance of the C/C LAS joints was mainly attributed to the toughening mechanism of SiC nanowires by pullout, bridging and crack deflection. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.