Characterization of SiC fiber (SCS-6) reinforced-reaction-formed silicon carbide matrix composites

Silicon carbide fiber (SCS-6) reinforced-reaction-formed silicon carbide matrix composites were fabricated using a reaction-forming process. Silicon-2 at. % niobium alloy was used as an infiltrant instead of pure silicon to reduce the amount of free silicon in the matrix after reaction forming. The matrix primarily consists of silicon carbide with a bimodal grain size distribution. Minority phases dispersed within the matrix are niobium disilicide (NbSi₂), carbon, and silicon. Fiber pushout tests on these composites determined a debond stress of ∼67 MPa and a frictional stress of ∼60 MPa. A typical four-point flexural strength of the composite is 297 MPa (43.1 KSi). This composite shows tough behavior through fiber pullout.