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Finding the optimum balance between strength and toughness, as well as acquiring reliable thermal shock resistance and oxidation resistance, has always been the most concerned topic in the discussion of ultra-high temperature ceramic composites. Herein, PyC modified 3D carbon fiber is used to reinforce ultra-high temperature ceramic (UHTC). The macroscopic block composite with large size is successfully fabricated through low temperature sintering at 1300 ℃ without pressure. The prepared PyC modified 3D Cf/ZrC-SiC composites simultaneously possess excellent physical and chemical stability under the synergistic effect of PyC interface layer and low temperature sintering without pressure. The fracture toughness is increased in magnitude to 13.05 ± 1.72 MPa·m1/2 accompanied by reliable flexural strength of 251 ± 27 MPa. After rapid thermal shock spanning from room temperature (RT) to 1200 ℃, there are no visible surface penetrating cracks, spalling, or structural fragmentation. The maximum critical temperature difference reaches 875 ℃, which is nearly three times higher than that of traditional monolithic ceramics. The haunting puzzle of intrinsic brittleness and low damage tolerance are resolved fundamentally. Under the protection of PyC interface layer, the carbon fibers around oxide layer and matrix remain structure intact after static oxidation at 1500 ℃ for 30 min. The oxide layer has reliable physical and chemical stability and resists the erosion from fierce oxidizing atmosphere, ensuring the excellent oxidation resistance of the composites. In a sense, the present work provides promising universality in designability and achievement of 3D carbon fiber reinforced ceramic composites.


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Using PyC modified 3D carbon fiber to reinforce UHTC under low temperature sintering without pressure

Show Author's information Baihe DUaYuan CHENGa( )Liancai XUNaShuchang ZHANGaJing TONGaQingrong LVbShanbao ZHOUaPing HUa( )Xinghong ZHANGa
National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments, and Center for Composite Materials and Structures, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
School of Physics and Material Science, Anhui University, Hefei 230601, China

Abstract

Finding the optimum balance between strength and toughness, as well as acquiring reliable thermal shock resistance and oxidation resistance, has always been the most concerned topic in the discussion of ultra-high temperature ceramic composites. Herein, PyC modified 3D carbon fiber is used to reinforce ultra-high temperature ceramic (UHTC). The macroscopic block composite with large size is successfully fabricated through low temperature sintering at 1300 ℃ without pressure. The prepared PyC modified 3D Cf/ZrC-SiC composites simultaneously possess excellent physical and chemical stability under the synergistic effect of PyC interface layer and low temperature sintering without pressure. The fracture toughness is increased in magnitude to 13.05 ± 1.72 MPa·m1/2 accompanied by reliable flexural strength of 251 ± 27 MPa. After rapid thermal shock spanning from room temperature (RT) to 1200 ℃, there are no visible surface penetrating cracks, spalling, or structural fragmentation. The maximum critical temperature difference reaches 875 ℃, which is nearly three times higher than that of traditional monolithic ceramics. The haunting puzzle of intrinsic brittleness and low damage tolerance are resolved fundamentally. Under the protection of PyC interface layer, the carbon fibers around oxide layer and matrix remain structure intact after static oxidation at 1500 ℃ for 30 min. The oxide layer has reliable physical and chemical stability and resists the erosion from fierce oxidizing atmosphere, ensuring the excellent oxidation resistance of the composites. In a sense, the present work provides promising universality in designability and achievement of 3D carbon fiber reinforced ceramic composites.

Keywords: ultra-high temperature ceramic (UHTC), pyrolytic carbon interface layer, carbon fiber

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Publication history
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Publication history

Received: 01 April 2021
Revised: 18 April 2021
Accepted: 06 May 2021
Published: 05 August 2021
Issue date: August 2021

Copyright

© The Author(s) 2021

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by Key Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 52032003), National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 51872059 and 51772061), Science Foundation of the National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Advanced Composites in Special Environments (No. 6142905202112), China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (No. 2021M690817), and Heilongjiang Provincial Postdoctoral Science Foundation (No. LBH-Z20144).

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