Microstructure and creep characteristics of experimental SiC f –YMAS composites

A unidirectional SiC f  –YMAS glass–ceramic composite has been developed by Céramiques‐Composites (Bazet) and ONERA (Establishment of Palaiseau) in France. The matrix is totally crystalline and consists essentially of two main phases, cordierite and yttrium disilicate, with some minor phases, mullite, spinel, zirconium and titanium oxides. Image analysis methods have been used to characterize the homogeneity of the composite plates and to obtain granulometric information on the different matrix phases. Different interphase layers formed during the process by reaction between the matrix and the Nicalon NLM 202 fibres have been studied by using HREM and EDX. Their chemical composition has been determined by stepping the probe (8 nm) across the fibre–matrix interface. Two distinct nanoscale sublayers have been imaged. The sublayer on the matrix side has a light contrast in the TEM. The microstructure of this layer (≈ 80 nm) is typical of a turbostratic carbon. The carbon layer also contains Al, O, Mg and Si. The silicon content is low in the carbon layer. The sublayer on the fibre side (≈ 100 nm thick) has a dark contrast in the TEM. Profiles have been taken across this sublayer also. Tensile creep tests in air have been performed to investigate the tensile creep behaviour at 1223 K. They have been conducted in the 50–200 MPa stress range. Tensile creep results indicate that creep rates are of the same order of magnitude as for other glass–ceramic composites. Optical micrographs and SEM observations have revealed the damage in the composite. Changes occurring in the interface region have been studied at a finer scale by TEM and HREM at the surface of the sample and in the core. These observations enable us to explain the mechanical behaviour of the composite observed on a macroscopic scale.