Effects of polymer derived SiC interphase on the properties of C/ZrC composites

Polymer derived silicon carbide (SiC) interphase was introduced by precursor infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) to prevent carbon fiber erosion and to improve the fiber-matrix interface bonding of C/ZrC composites prepared by PIP. Introducing SiC interphase increased the density of the composites. The SiC interphase not only protected carbon fibers effectively from erosion by carbo-thermal reduction, but also enhanced the mechanical properties of C/ZrC composites by strengthening the interface bond. The flexural strength and fracture toughness of C/ZrC composites with SiC interphase prepared by two PIP cycles were 319 MPa and 18.8 MPa m(1/2) respectively. The ablation properties of C/ZrC composites were with rising content of SiC interphase but then decreased when excessive. The mass loss rate and the linear recession rate of the C/ZrC composites with SiC interphase prepared by one PIP cycle were 0.0079 g/s and 0.0084 mm/s, respectively. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.