Micro-CT characterization on porosity structure of 3D Cf/SiCm composite

The fabric architecture and porosity of three-dimensional (3D) C-f/SiCm composites are characterized using commercial X-ray microcomputed tomography (microCT). The non-destructive observation exhibits an inhomogeneous structure of the carbon fiber performs with gradiently distributed porosity. The shape of fiber bundles and porosity are investigated with respect to the gas transport during chemical vapor infiltration (CVI). Difference in growth rate of deposition between outer surface and inner porosity are identified through reconstructing the porosity morphology, which coincides well with the node-bond theoretical model. Moreover, in the light of the porosity features, gas retention and viscous flow is revealed to play key roles in the formation of the inner structure of C-f/SiCm. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.