• Journal of Ceramic Processing Research
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.48-53
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• 2019

Carbon fiber reinforced SiC composites (C/SiC) have high-temperature stability and excellent thermal shock resistance, and are currently being applied in extreme environments, for example, as aerospace propulsion parts or in high-performance brake systems. However, their low thermal conductivity, compared to metallic materials, are an obstacle to energy efficiency improvements via utilization of regenerative cooling systems. In order to solve this problem, the present study investigated the bonding strength between carbon fiber and matrix material within ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials, demonstrating the relation between the microstructure and bonding, and showing that the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity may be improved by treatment of the carbon fibers. When fiber surface was treated with a nitric acid solution, the observed segment crack areas within the subsequently generated CMC increased from 6 to 10%; moreover, it was possible to enhance the thermal conductivity from 10.5 to 14 W/m·K, via the same approach. However, fiber surface treatment tends to cause mechanical damage of the final composite material by fiber etching.

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.40 no.11
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• pp.927-933
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• 2016

In a solid propulsion system, the rocket nozzle is exposed to high temperature combustion gas. Hence, choosing an appropriate material that could demonstrate adequate performance at high temperature is important. As advanced materials, carbon/silicon carbide composites (C/SiC) have been studied with the aim of using them for the rocket nozzle throat. However, when compared with typical structural materials, C/SiC composites are relatively weak in terms of both strength and toughness, owing to their quasi-brittle behavior and oxidation at high temperatures. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the thermal and mechanical properties of this material before using it in this application. This study presents an experimental method to investigate the fracture behavior of C/SiC composite material manufactured using liquid silicon infiltration (LSI) method at elevated temperatures. In particular, the effects of major parameters, such as temperature, loading, oxidation conditions, and fiber direction on strength and fracture characteristics were investigated. Fractography analysis of the fractured specimens was performed using an SEM.