Novel ceramic matrix composites with tungsten and molybdenum fiber reinforcement

Abstract

Ceramic matrix composites usually utilize carbon or ceramic fbers as reinforcements. However, such fbers often expose a low ductility during failure. In this work, we follow the idea of a reinforcement concept of a ceramic matrix reinforced by refractory metal fbers to reach pseudo ductile behavior during failure. Tungsten and molybdenum fbers were chosen as reinforcement in SiCN ceramic matrix composites manufactured by polymer infltration and pyrolysis process. The composites were investigated with respect to microstructure, flexural- and tensile strength. The single fber strengths for both tungsten and molybdenum were investigated and compared to the strength of the composites. Tensile strengths of 206 and 156 MPa as well as bending strengths of 427 and 312 MPa were achieved for W/SiCN and Mo/SiCN composites, respectively. The W fber became brittle across the entire cross section, while the Mo fiber showed a superfcial, brittle reaction zone but kept ductile on the inside.