Laser-driven CVD SiC fiber performance in composite materials

Silicon carbide (SiC) fibers produced at Free Form Fibers by laser-driven CVD (LCVD) have previously been analyzed for thermal and mechanical performance. FFF SiC fibers show enhanced high temperature properties compared to other commercial SiC fibers, in particular resistance to oxidation and degradation at elevated temperatures, due to the high purity, high quality nature of LCVD-based material. With increased production capacity, FFF now aims to study the fiber performance in SiC-reinforced composite structures. Coupons will be fabricated and tested, using FFF fibers in a nonwoven preform as the reinforcement phase and reaction bonded silicon nitride for the matrix. Flexural, creep, tensile, and inter laminar shear test articles are planned with the resulting thermal and mechanical behavior to be discussed.