Influence of silicon carbide filler on mechanical and dielectric properties of glass fabric reinforced epoxy composites

Fiber‐reinforced polymeric composites (FRPCs) have emerged as an important material for automotive, aerospace, and other engineering applications because of their light weight, design flexibility, ease of manufacturing, and improved mechanical performance. In this study, glass‐epoxy (G‐E) and silicon carbide filled glass‐epoxy (SiC‐G‐E) composite systems have been fabricated using hand lay‐up technique. The mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, flexural strength, and hardness have been investigated in accordance with ASTM standards. From the experimental investigations, it has been found that the tensile strength, flexural strength, and hardness of the glass reinforced epoxy composite increased with the inclusion of SiC filler. The results of the SiC (5 wt %)‐G‐E composite showed higher mechanical properties compared to G‐E system. The dielectric properties such as dielectric constant (permittivity), tan delta, dielectric loss, and AC conductivity of these composites have been evaluated. A drastic reduction in dielectric constant after incorporation of conducting SiC filler into epoxy composite has been observed. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photomicrographs of the fractured samples revealed various aspects of the fractured surfaces. The failure modes of the tensile fractured surfaces have also been reported. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

碳纤维拉伸性能测试方法精密度研究

通过对国内有代表性的13家碳纤维企业和专业实验室的循环比对试验结果进行统计分析和研究,首次得到了碳纤维拉伸性能试验法可重复性和再现性的精密度数据,为准确测定和评价碳纤维的拉伸强度和模量提供了科学依据。     

Fatigue of three advanced SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites at 1200°C in air and in steam

High‐temperature mechanical properties and tension‐tension fatigue behavior of three advanced SiC/SiC composites are discussed. The effects of steam on high‐temperature fatigue performance of the ceramic‐matrix composites are evaluated. The three composites consist of a SiC matrix reinforced with laminated, woven SiC (Hi‐Nicalon?) fibers. Composite 1 was processed by chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) of SiC into the Hi‐Nicalon? fiber preforms coated with boron nitride (BN) fiber coating. Composite 2 had an oxidation inhibited matrix consisting of alternating layers of silicon carbide and boron carbide and was also processed by CVI. Fiber preforms had pyrolytic carbon fiber coating with boron carbon overlay applied. Composite 3 had a melt‐infiltrated (MI) matrix consolidated by combining CVI‐SiC with SiC particulate slurry and molten silicon infiltration. Fiber preforms had a CVI BN fiber coating applied. Tensile stress‐strain behavior of the three composites was investigated and the tensile properties measured at 1200°C. Tension‐tension fatigue behavior was studied for fatigue stresses ranging from 80 to 160 MPa in air and from 60 to 140 MPa in steam. Fatigue run‐out was defined as 2 × 10⁵ cycles. Presence of steam significantly degraded the fatigue performance of the CVI SiC/SiC composite 1 and of the MI SiC/SiC composite 3, but had little influence on the fatigue performance of the SiC/SiC composite 2 with the oxidation inhibited matrix. The retained tensile properties of all specimens that achieved fatigue run‐out were characterized. Composite microstructure, as well as damage and failure mechanisms were investigated.     

Effect of diffusion-assisting holes on the tensile properties of a thick-section two dimensional C/SiC composite fabricated by chemical vapor infiltration

The concept of diffusion-assisting holes (DAHs) has been developed to increase matrix deposition in the middle layers of the thick-section ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) that are fabricated by chemical vapor infiltration (CVI). However, the effect of DAHs on the tensile properties of CMCs has not been studied. Here, the tensile properties and the state of matrix deposition of a 10-mm-thick two dimensional (2D) C/SiC with DAHs are investigated. Results showed, with DAHs, a zone of increased deposition with a radius of ca. 1.4 mm around a hole was introduced and the net-section strength of the 10-mm-thick 2D C/SiC was increased by 48.1%. In addition, the tensile load bearing capacity was also increased by 34.1%, although the load bearing section decreased with DAHs. The increased net-section strength and tensile load bearing capacity of the C/SiC are attributed to the increased matrix deposition in the middle layers of the thick-section composite.     

平纹编织C/SiC复合材料的失效判据

通过Arcan夹具拉伸实验,研究了平纹编织C/SiC复合材料的唯象强度特性,根据实验结果提出了一种椭圆形失效判据,可以反映拉压强度的差异,以及压缩和剪切同时作用时裂纹面闭合引起最大容许剪应力的回升.结果表明：椭圆形判据和实验结果在第一象限吻合良好,说明椭圆判据在第一象限内对平纹编织C/SiC是适用的.用线弹性有限元方法分析了Arcan拉伸实验中试样的应力状态和分布,并讨论了夹具刚度的影响.分析表明：试样缺口区域剪切应力分布均匀,大小接近平均剪应力;正应力在边缘有应力集中,中央应力约为平均正应力的77%.由于纤维增强陶瓷基复合材料存在微弱缺口敏感性,Arcan圆盘测出的强度略低于均匀拉伸结果.采用系数对测出的强度进行了修正.     

Experimental characterization of woven jute‐fabric‐reinforced isothalic polyester composites

In this article, mechanical performance of isothalic polyester‐based untreated woven jute‐fabric composites subjected to various types of loading has been experimentally investigated. The laminates were prepared by hand lay‐up technique in a mold. Specimens for tests were fabricated as per ASTM standards. All the tests (except impact) were conducted on closed loop servo hydraulic MTS 810 material test system using data acquisition software Test Works‐II. From the results obtained, it was found that the tensile strength and tensile modulus of jute‐fabric composite are 83.96% and 118.97% greater than the tensile strength and modulus of unreinforced resin, respectively. The results of other properties, such as flexural, in‐plane shear, interlaminar shear, impact, etc., also revealed that the isothalic‐polyester‐based jute‐fabric composite have good mechanical properties and can be a potential material for use in medium load‐bearing applications. The failure mechanism and fiber‐matrix adhesion were analyzed by scanning electron microscope. Effects of long‐term immersion in water on mechanical properties are also presented. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2650–2662, 2007     

氧化铝料浆预浸料结合PIP工艺制备SiC/Al2O3-SiC陶瓷基复合材料及性能研究

连续碳化硅纤维增强碳化硅陶瓷基复合材料（SiC/SiC）具有低密度、耐高温、低氚渗透率和优异的辐照稳定性的优点，在航空、航天、核能等领域具有广泛的应用前景。本文针对PIP工艺制备SiC/SiC复合材料周期长、孔隙率较高及易氧化的问题，通过料浆预浸料工艺在基体中引入氧化铝陶瓷形成SiC/Al2O3-SiC复相基体复合材料，并对复合材料制备工艺过程、微观形貌及力学性能进行系统表征。分析结果表明，SiC/Al2O3-SiC复相基体复合材料制备周期较传统PIP工艺大幅度缩短，且复合材料孔隙率明显降低，从11.6%左右降低至6%，拉伸强度为316.5MPa，提升了12.3%，弯曲强度与SiC/SiC相当，但层间剪切强度较低，仅为16.3MPa，有待进一步提高。     

Effects of interface bonding properties on cyclic tensile behavior of unidirectional C/Si3N4 and SiC/Si3N4 composites

In this paper, the effect of fiber/matrix interface bonding properties on the cyclic loading/unloading tensile stress?strain hysteresis loops of 2 different ceramic‐matrix composites (CMCs), ie, C/Si₃N₄ and SiC/Si₃N₄, has been investigated using micromechanical approach. The relationships between the damage mechanisms (ie, matrix multicracking saturation, fiber/matrix interface debonding and fibers failure), hysteresis dissipated energy and internal frictional damage parameter have been established. The damage evolution processes under cyclic loading/unloading tensile of C/Si₃N₄ and SiC/Si₃N₄ composites corresponding to different fiber/matrix interface bonding properties have been analyzed through damage models and interface frictional damage parameter. For the C/Si₃N₄ composite with the weakest fiber/matrix interface bonding, the composite possesses the lowest tensile strength and the highest failure strain; the hysteresis dissipated energy increases at low peak stress, and the stress?strain hysteresis loops correspond to the interface partially and completely debonding. However, for the SiC/Si₃N₄ composite with weak interface bonding, the composite possesses the highest tensile strength and intermediate failure strain; and the hysteresis dissipated energy increases faster and approaches to a higher value than that of composite with the strong interface bonding.     

三维针刺C/SiC复合材料的结构特征和力学性能

采用化学气相渗透法制备了在厚度方向上具有纤维增强的三维针刺碳纤维增强碳化硅(C/SiC)陶瓷基复合材料,复合材料的密度和气孔率分别为2.15 h/cm3和16%.三维针刺C/SiC复合材料中的针刺纤维将各层紧密结合在一起,其层间抗剪切强度显著提高,为95MPa,比二维碳布叠层C/SiC复合材料的剪切强度(35MPa)高171.4%.三维针刺C/SiC复合材料的拉伸强度和弯曲强度分别为159MPa和350MPa,断裂模式为非脆性断裂,包括:裂纹扩展、偏转,碳纤维的拉伸断裂和逐步拔出.     

In-Plane Cracking Behavior and Ultimate Strength for 2D Woven and Braided Melt-Infiltrated SiC/SiC Composites Tensile Loaded in Off-Axis Fiber Directions

The tensile mechanical properties of ceramic matrix composites (CMC) in directions off the primary axes of the reinforcing fibers are important for the architectural design of CMC components that are subjected to multiaxial stress states. In this study, two-dimensional (2D)-woven melt-infiltrated (MI) SiC/SiC composite panels with balanced fiber content in the 0° and 90° directions were tensile loaded in-plane in the 0° direction and at 45° to this direction. In addition, a 2D triaxially braided MI SiC/SiC composite panel with a higher fiber content in the ±67° bias directions compared with the axial direction was tensile loaded perpendicular to the axial direction tows (i.e., 23° from the bias fibers). Stress–strain behavior, acoustic emission, and optical microscopy were used to quantify stress-dependent matrix cracking and ultimate strength in the panels. It was observed that both off-axis-loaded panels displayed higher composite onset stresses for through-thickness matrix cracking than the 2D-woven 0/90 panels loaded in the primary 0° direction. These improvements for off-axis cracking strength can in part be attributed to higher effective fiber fractions in the loading direction, which in turn reduces internal stresses on weak regions in the architecture, e.g., minicomposite tows oriented normal to the loading direction and/or critical flaws in the matrix for a given composite stress. Both off-axis-oriented panels also showed relatively good ultimate tensile strength when compared with other off-axis-oriented composites in the literature, both on an absolute strength basis as well as when normalized by the average fiber strength within the composites. Initial implications are discussed for constituent and architecture design to improve the directional cracking of SiC/SiC CMC components with MI matrices.     

Flexural modulus of SiC/SiC composites sintered by microwave and conventional heating

To deeply study the variation mechanisms of mechanical properties, flexural modulus of SiC fibers reinforced SiC matrix (SiC/SiC) composites prepared by conventional and microwave heating at 800?°C–1100?°C was discussed in detail. The elastic modulus of fibers and matrix, interface bonding strength and porosity of SiC/SiC composites were considered together to analyze the changing tendencies and differences in their flexural modulus. The elastic modulus of fiber and matrix was determined by nanoindentation technique and interface characteristics applying fiber push-out test. The porosity and microstructure examinations were characterized by mercury intrusion method, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Moreover, two conflicts between the changing trends of elastic modulus and chemical compositions of composite components were focused and explained. Results indicate that three factors played different roles in the flexural modulus of SiC/SiC composites and residual tensile stress in composite components led to the conflicts between their elastic modulus and chemical compositions.     

Strengthening/toughening of 2D C/SiC composites by coating

SiC and SiC_w/SiC coatings were prepared on two-dimensional carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide ceramic matrix composites (2D C/SiC), and strengthening/toughening of the composite by the coatings was investigated. After coating, the density of the C/SiC composites was increased effectively and the mechanical properties were improved significantly. Compared with SiC coating, SiC_w/SiC coating showed the more significant effect on strength/toughness of the composites. Coatings had two effects: surface strengthening and matrix strengthening. The latter was the dominant effect. The surface strengthening can increase the crack initiation stress, while the matrix strengthening can enhance the crack propagation resistance. The former effect increased the strength and the latter effect increased the toughness.     

Effect of B4C,TiB2 and ZrSiO4 ceramic particles on mechanical properties of aluminium matrix composites: Experimental investigation and predictive modelling

This paper focuses on the influence of processing temperature and inclusion of micron-sized B₄C, TiB₂ and ZrSiO₄ on the mechanical performance of aluminium matrix composites fabricated through stir casting. The ceramic/aluminium composite could withstand greater external loads, due to interfacial ceramic/aluminium bonding effect on the movement of grain and twin boundaries. Based on experimental results, the tensile strength and hardness of ceramic reinforced composite are significantly increased. The maximum improvement is achieved through adding ZrSiO₄ and TiB₂, which has led to 52% and 125% increase in tensile strength and hardness, respectively. To predict the effect of incorporating ceramic reinforcements on the mechanical properties of composites, experimental data of mechanical tests are used to create 3 models named Levenberg–Marquardt Algorithm (LMA) neural networks. The results show that the LMA- neural networks models have a high level of accuracy in the prediction of mechanical properties for ceramic reinforced-aluminium matrix composites.     

Highly conductive and high-strength carbon nanotube film reinforced silicon carbide composites

Film formed by carbon nanotubes is usually called carbon nanotube film (CNT_f). In the present study, CNT_f fabricated by floating catalyst method was used to prepare CNT_f/SiC ceramic matrix composites by chemical vapor infiltration (CVI). Mechanical and electrical properties of the resulting CNT_f/SiC composites with different CVI cycles were investigated and discussed, and the results revealed that the CNT_f has a good adaptability to CVI method. Tensile test demonstrated an excellent mechanical performance of the composites with highest tensile strength of 646 MPa after 2 CVI cycles, and the strength has a decline after 3 CVI cycles for an excessively dense matrix. While, the elastic modulus of the composite increased with the CVI cycles and reached 301 GPa after 3 CVI cycles. Tensile fracture morphologies of the composites were analyzed by scanning electron microscope to study the performance change laws with the CVI cycles. With SiC ceramic matrix infiltrated into the CNT_f, enhanced electrical conductivity of the CNT_f/SiC composite compared to pure CNT_f was also obtained, from 368 S/cm to 588 S/cm. Conductivity of the SiC matrix with free carbon forming in the CVI process was considered as the reason.     

纤维束丝数对平纹编织C/SiC复合材料力学性能的影响

通过对2种丝束平纹编织碳纤维布增强SiC（C/SiC）复合材料的力学性能实验,研究了纤维束丝数（1 k和3 k）对复合材料性能的影响.实验结果表明：1 k C/SiC复合材料的拉伸模量、拉伸强度、压缩模量、压缩强度、面内剪切强度和弯曲强度分别为90.8 GPa,281.8 MPa,135.8 GPa,452.2 MPa,464.3 MPa和126.8 MPa,分别比3 k C/SiC高39%,15.8%,25%,132%,29.3%和30.2%.纤维束粗细不同是导致纤维束弯曲度和复合材料孔隙率差异的主要原因,对压缩强度的影响最大,对拉伸强度的影响最小.     

模压压力对SiC/SiC复合材料力学性能及力学行为的影响

采用热模压辅助聚合物先驱体浸渍裂解工艺制备了国产近化学计量比SiC纤维增强SiC陶瓷基复合材料,通过阿基米德排水法和SEM技术对SiC/SiC复合材料致密化过程进行表征,采用弯曲强度、拉伸强度和断裂韧性对SiC/SiC复合材料力学性能和力学行为进行评价。研究表明,热模压压力是影响材料结构和性能的重要因素,热模压在提升材料致密度的同时,亦造成纤维的损伤。随着热模压压力的增加,SiC/SiC复合材料力学性能先增加后降低。热模压压力适中时,致密度增加因素占优,材料力学性能较为优异;热模压压力较大时候,热模压操作对纤维性能的损伤因素逐渐凸显,基体致密化和纤维损伤两种作用机制相当。     

C-B4C-SiC与Ti组分的原位反应及热压烧结

以炭黑、炭纤维、Ｂ４Ｃ、ＳｉＣ、Ｓｉ、ＴｉＯ２和ＴｉＣ为原料制备了不同ＴｉＯ２和ＴｉＣ含量的炭／陶复合材料,采用原位合成及热压技术研究了不同ＴｉＯ２和ＴｉＣ含量对多组分炭／陶复合材料的组成、结构和性能的影响。在烧结过程中ＴｉＯ２和ＴｉＣ与Ｂ４Ｃ反应原位生成ＴｉＢ２,Ｓｉ和ＴｉＯ２分别与Ｃ反应生成ＳｉＣ和ＴｉＣ,这些陶瓷相的生成对提高炭／陶复合材料的力学性能有显著作用。加入ＴｉＯ２能使炭／陶复合材料在较低的温度下实现致密化烧结,获得了抗弯强度达４３０ＭＰａ的炭／陶复合材料     

Ultra-high-temperature mechanical behaviors of two-dimensional carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide composites: Experiment and modeling

Carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide (C/SiC) composites are enabling materials for components working in ultra-high-temperature extreme environments. However, their mechanical properties reported in the literature are mainly limited to room and moderate temperatures. In this work, an ultra-high-temperature testing method for the mechanical properties of materials in inert atmosphere is presented based on the induction heating technology. The flexural properties of a 2D plain-weave C/SiC are studied up to 2600 °C in inert atmosphere for the first time. The deformation characteristics and failure mechanisms at elevated temperatures are gained. Theoretical models for the high-temperature Young’s modulus and tensile strength of 2D ceramic matrix composites are then developed based on the mechanical mechanisms revealed in the experiments. The factors contributing to the mechanical behaviors of C/SiC at elevated temperatures are thus characterized quantitatively. The results provide significant understanding of the mechanical behaviors of C/SiC under ultra-high-temperature extreme environment conditions.     

Modeling environmentally induced property degradation of SiC/BN/SiC ceramic matrix composites

The degradation of SiC‐based ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) in conditions typical of gas turbine engine operation proceeds via the stress rupture of fiber bundles. The degradation is accelerated when oxygen and water invade the composite through matrix microcracks and react with fiber coatings and the fibers themselves. We review micromechanical models of the main rate‐determining phenomena involved, including the diffusion of gases and reaction products through matrix microcracks, oxidation of SiC (in both matrix and fibers) leading to the loss of stiffness and strength in exposed fibers, the formation of oxide scale on SiC fiber and along matrix crack surfaces that cause the partial closure of microcracks, and the concomitant and synergistic loss of BN fiber coatings. The micromechanical models could be formulated as time‐dependent coupled differential equations in time, which must be solved dynamically, e.g., as an iterated user‐defined material element, within a finite element simulation. A paradigm is thus established for incorporating the time‐dependent evolution of local material properties according to the local environmental and stress conditions that exist within a material, in a simulation of the damage evolution of a composite component. We exemplify the calibration of typical micromechanical degradation models using thermodynamic data for the oxidation and/or volatilization of BN and SiC by oxygen and water, mechanical test data for the rate of stress rupture of SiC fibers, and kinetic data for the processes involved in gas permeation through microcracks. We discuss approaches for validating computational simulations that include the micromechanical models of environmental degradation. A special challenge is achieving validated predictions of trends with temperature, which are expected to vary in a complex manner during use.     

Tensile and fatigue behavior of oxide/oxide ceramic matrix composite with simulated foreign object damage in combustion environment

In this study, oxide/oxide ceramic matrix composite test coupons were quasi‐statically indented and tested for tensile strength and fatigue life in a combustion environment. The combustion environment simulated the gas turbine engine environment in an aircraft. Two different dent sizes were created on two different sets of test coupons with a blunt conical indentor. During mechanical testing, the combustion flame simultaneously impinged on the dent region resulting in a maximum test coupon surface temperature of 1250 ± 50°C. For a life of 90 000 cycles, the fatigue limit in the combustion environment was 85% of the postindentation degraded tensile strength. Microscopy images of the failed test coupons showed damage modes of fiber fracture and matrix cracking at the dent site. The run‐out test coupons which did not fail within 90 000 cycles showed residual strength that was not significantly different from that of their virgin counterparts.