Effects of heat treatment on the mechanical properties at elevated temperatures of plain-woven SiC/SiC composites

The effects of heat treatment on the mechanical properties of plain-woven SiC/SiC composites at 927 degrees C and 1200 degrees C in argon were evaluated through tensile tests at room temperature and at elevated temperature on the as-received and heat-treated plain-woven SiC/SiC composites, respectively. Heat treatment can improve the mechanical properties of composites at room temperature due to the release of thermal residual stress. Although heat treatment can damage the fiber, the effect of this damage on the mechanical properties of composites is generally less than the effect of thermal residual stress. Heat treatment will graphitize the pyrolytic carbon interface and reduce its shear strength. Testing temperature will affect the expansion or contraction of the components in the composites, thereby changing the stress state of the components. This study can provide guidance for the optimization of processing of ceramic matrix composites and the structural design in hightemperature environments.

Automated summary

Heat treatment can improve the mechanical properties of composites by releasing thermal residual stress, although it may damage the fiber.