Evaluation of microstructure for SiC/SiC composites

SiC/SiC composites are expected to be used as materials for high temperature structural parts because of their high temperature stability. Toshiba has developed two kinds of SiC/SiC composites for gas turbine hot parts applications, which produced by RS and PIP processes. The both processes have the capabilities of making complex shapes in near net. In this work, the microstructure of two kinds of SiC/SiC composites was evaluated using mercury intrusion method. The influence of their microstructural feature on some properties, such as bending strength, thermal conductivity and oxidation resistance, were discussed.