Microstructural investigations of the pyrocarbon interphase in SiC fiber-reinforced SiC matrix composites

The microstructure of the pyrocarbon interphase in SiC fiber-reinforced SiC matrix (SiCf/SiC) composites and its transformations during fiber/matrix debonding were studied. The phenomena of bridging and delamination within the pyrocarbon interphase are found during fiber/matrix debonding. A new phenomenon of ‘stress orientation’ of the basal planes of the pyrocarbon in the bridging region is discovered. It is found that the microstructural features of the pyrocarbon interphase are in favor of the toughness improvement of the SiCf/SiC composites.