Thermophysical properties of ceramic matrix composites produced by polymer pyrolysis

A unidirectional composite and a series of bidirectionally reinforced composites were fabricated using carbon fibre reinforcement in a silicon carbide matrix, which was produced by the pyrolysis of a polymer precursor. The thermal expansion over the temperature range 20-1000 C was measured and the thermal diffusivity measured over the temperature range 200-1200 C. Thermal diffusivity data were converted to conductivity data using measured density and literature specific heat data. Metallographic examination was carried out on the composites and the results are discussed in terms of the observed microstructural features. 26 refs.