Microstructure and creep of 2 center dot 5D C-f-SiC composites

Tensile creep tests have been performed on 2.5D C-f-SiC composites in paral lel to a microstructural characterisation down to the nanometric scale. The se ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) appear to be creep resistant when teste d under argon (50 mbar), between 1273 and 1673 K, at 110 and 220 MPa. The n anostructure of the different phases involved in the as-received material h as been determined via HREM. Microstructural changes and search for creep m echanism have been achieved by SEM. Different types of cracks have been evi denced, and the major role of the fibre/matrix interphase was demonstrated by HREM on tested samples. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Limited All rights res erved.