Characterization and mechanical properties of Cf/ZrB2-SiC composites fabricated by a hybrid technique based on slurry impregnation, polymer infiltration and pyrolysis and low-temperature hot pressing

The continuous carbon fiber reinforced ZrB2-SiC composite was fabricated successfully via a hybrid technique based on nano ceramic slurry impregnation, polymer infiltration and pyrolysis and low-temperature hot pressing. The C-f/ZrB2-SiC composites exhibited non-brittle fracture modes and the chemical interaction at the fiber/matrix interfaces was effectively inhibited owing to the low sintering temperature. The S2-C-f/ZrB2-SiC composite presented the highest mechanical properties with fracture toughness of 4.47 +/- 0.15 MPa m(1/2) and the work of fracture of 877 J/m(2), which was attributed to the multiple length-scale toughening mechanisms including the macroscopic toughening mechanisms of crack deflection and crack branching, the micro toughening mechanisms of fiber bridging and fiber pull-out. This work presented a novel and effective method to fabricate high-performance continuous carbon fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites.