CARBON-FIBER-REINFORCED C-SIC BINARY MATRIX COMPOSITES

C-SiC binary matrix composites, made from a porous C-C preform infiltr ated with SiC, are mechanically characterized under tensile, compressi ve, flexural, and shear loading. The results of these tests show that the materials exhibit non-brittle fracture and have excellent strength . The oxidation behavior of the materials has been studied. Measured m ass loss data from the C-SiC binary matrix compos ites indicated lower mass loss rate compared with SiC-coated C-C composites. The microstru ctures were investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron micro scope, and polarized optical microscope. The properties of C-SiC binar y matrix composites are discussed in relation to the microstructures.