PARTICULATE-FIBER-REINFORCED GLASS MATRIX HYBRID COMPOSITES

This study extends the concept of hybridization of glass matrix composites to fibre and particulate reinforcements. Hybridization of Nicalon(R)-glass matrix composites with silicon carbide particulates of mean diameters of 0.77, 1.5 and 6-mu-m was studied. The microcrack stress, transverse strength and interlaminar strengths improved significantly on hybridization. At the optimum loading of 7.5 wt % for 6-mu-m particle size the microcrack stress increased by 62%, transverse strength by 650% and interlaminar shear strength by 200%. The ultimate strength declined for this composite by 6%. The decline in ultimate properties was attributed to the damaged graphitic skin at the particle-fibre contact points.