Creep properties of melt infiltrated SiC/SiC composites with Sylramic™‐iBN and Hi‐Nicalon™‐S fibers

Abstract Isothermal tensile creep tests were conducted on 2D woven and laminated, 0/90 balanced melt infiltration (MI) SiC/SiC composites at stress levels from 48 to 138 MPa and temperatures to 1400°C in air. Effects of fiber architecture and fiber types on creep properties, influence of accumulated creep strain on in‐plane tensile properties, and the dominant constituent controlling the creep behavior and creep rupture properties of these composites were investigated. In addition, the creep parameters of both composites were determined. Results indicate that in 2D woven MI SiC/SiC composites with Sylramic™‐iBN or Hi‐Nicalon™‐S fibers, creep is controlled by chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) SiC matrix, whereas in 2D laminated MI SiC/SiC composites with Hi‐Nicalon™‐S fibers, creep is controlled by the fiber. Both types of composites exhibit significant variation in creep behavior and rupture life at a constant temperature and stress, predominantly due to local variation in microstructural inhomogeneity and stress raisers. In both types of composites at temperatures >1350°C, residual silicon present in SiC matrix to reacts with SiC fibers and fiber coating causing premature creep rupture. Using the creep parameters generated, the creep behaviors of the composites have been modeled and factors influencing creep durability are discussed.