Microstructural analysis of the calcium aluminosilicate (CAS) glass-ceramic matrix in SiCf/CAS composites deformed at a high temperature

The calcium aluminosilicate (CAS: anorthite) glass-ceramic matrix materials in the SiCf/CAS composites deformed in compression at a high temperature w ere analyzed for microstructures. The matrix region right above the top of the SiC fiber (theta similar to 0 degrees) showed high density of dislocati ons as well as twins. On the other hand, the matrix region remote from the top of the SIC fiber (theta similar to 90 degrees) showed only a twinned st ructure. This experimental result was compared with the Meyer ef al.'s mech anical modeling indicating that the interfacial traction of the matrix regi on right on the top of the fiber is significantly high compared to the remo te stress and thus it rate limits the creep deformation of the composite. ( C) 1998 Kluwer Academic Publishers.