Insights into fracture mechanisms and strength behaviors of two-dimensional carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide composites at elevated temperatures

Carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide (C/SiC) composites are usually subjected to thermal-mechanical-oxidation-coupled loads during service. However, their mechanical properties at ultra-high temperatures in oxidizing environments have rarely been reported. In this paper, a method based on the induction heating technology is proposed for testing the ultra-high-temperature mechanical properties of materials in air. The flexural behaviors of a 2D plain-weave C/SiC material prepared via chemical vapor infiltration are investigated in air up to 1800 °C for the first time. Inverse temperature dependences of the flexural modulus and strength are observed. New fracture mechanisms that are responsible for the mechanical behaviors at elevated temperatures are elucidated. Fracture modes at different temperatures are proposed. A high-temperature fracture strength model for oxidizing environments is developed, which is in good agreement with the experimental results. The factors affecting the fracture strength behaviors of the C/SiC in air at elevated temperatures are characterized quantitatively.