Effect of high-temperature exposure on matrix microstructure and fibre-matrix interface of all-oxide ceramic matrix composites

Kurzfassung

The effects of extended high-temperature exposure on the microstructure of an all-oxide ceramic matrix composite consisting of Nextel(TM) 610 fibres and a highly porous alumina matrix phase are outlined in this report. The microstructure evolution of the porous matrix phase after high-temperature exposure was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and bulk density measurements. The variation of the fibre-matrix interface was analysed by determining the length fractions of matrix particle segments sintered to the fibre contour from polished cross-sections. Specimens with both uni- and bidirectional fibre orientation were investigated to account for varying constraints on matrix densification during high-temperature exposure.