Effect of fiber type on mechanical properties of short carbon fiber reinforced B4C composites

Abstract In order to enhance the mechanical properties of B 4 C without density increase, the short carbon fibers M40, M55J and T700 reinforced B 4 C ceramic composites were fabricated by hot-pressing process. The addition of the carbon fibers accelerates the densification of the B 4 C, decreases their densities, and improves their strength and toughness. The enhancement effects of the three kinds of carbon fibers were studied by investigating the density, Vickers hardness and the mechanical properties such as flexural strength, flexural modulus and fracture toughness of the composites. The fiber type has a great influence on the mechanical properties and enhancement of the short carbon fiber reinforced B 4 C composites. The flexible carbon fiber with high strength and low modulus such as T700 is appropriate to reinforce the B 4 C matrix ceramic composites.