Analysis of mechanical properties and SEM for laminated SiC/W composites

In this letter, it is reported that a laminated SiC/W composite has been developed using the hot pressing method. It is found that a chemical reaction between W and SiC occurs during the preparation process. Making use of SEM, the components within the sandwiched-in metal and the fracturing crack for the laminated SiC/W composite are determined. Testing mechanical properties of the laminated SiC/W composite indicates that fracture toughness increases while bending strength reduces, with an increase of the thickness of the sandwiched-in metal ranging from 10-50-mum thickness. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.