Interface structure and mechanical properties of Al2O3-20vol%SiCw ceramic matrix composite

Al2O3-20vol%SiCw composites with as-received and acid-leached whiskers were fabricated by a hot-pressing technique. The microstructure, mechanical properties, fracture behavior and toughening mechanisms of the composites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM), X-ray photo spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive analysis of X-ray (EDAX) techniques and three-point bending tests. The results show that whisker surface acid-leached treatment obviously reduces the oxygen content of SiC whisker and makes the whisker surface smooth, resulting in composites with higher fracture toughness. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.