SIC FIBRE/BOROSILICATE GLASS COMPOSITE .2. FACTORS CONTROLLING THE MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES

The variations of ultimate flexural strength, proportional limit and modulus of Nicalon SiC fibre (similar to 50 vol%)/Pyrex composites have been analysed in terms of fibre hardness and interfacial shear stress and matrix modulus. The ultimate flexural strength increased with an increase in fibre hardness. A relatively high measured interfacial stress contributed to the high ultimate strength and proportional limit. From these experimental findings, the important parameters controlling the mechanical properties of Nicalon/Pyrex composite were identified, i.e., the degree of fibre damage influencing the ultimate strength, the interfacial stress influencing the proportional limit, and the matrix devitrification influencing composite modulus.