Chemical and morphological analysis of sol-derived KCa2Nb3O10

The chemical and morphological properties of a sol-derived layered perovskite compound, KCa2Nb3O10 (KCN), are presented. Development of this compound is motivated by its use as an interphase fiber-coating material for ceramic matrix composites (CMC's), In such systems, this material is to be placed between the fiber and matrix to control crack propagation in the vicinity of the fiber, thereby enhancing toughness. Comparative analyses are performed between known bulk specimens of KCN and the sol-derived product using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), The suitability of the sol-derived KCN for CMC applications is demonstrated through microstructure and chemical composition similar to that of the known bulk KCN samples.