Effect of CNT impregnation on the mechanical and thermal properties of C/C-SiC composites

Tulbez S., ESEN Z., DERİCİOĞLU A. F.

ADVANCED COMPOSITES AND HYBRID MATERIALS, vol.3, no.2, pp.177-186, 2020 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 3 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2020
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s42114-020-00155-3
  • Journal Name: ADVANCED COMPOSITES AND HYBRID MATERIALS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
  • Page Numbers: pp.177-186
  • Keywords: Ceramic matrix composite, Microstructure, Silicon infiltration, Carbon nanotubes, Mechanical properties, LIQUID SILICON INFILTRATION, CARBIDE COMPOSITES, CARBON NANOTUBES, CONDUCTIVITY, TEMPERATURE, DIFFUSIVITY, FABRICATION, BEHAVIOR
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The present study investigates the effect of additional carbon source, in the form of carbon nanotubes (CNTs), on mechanical and thermal properties of carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide (C/C-SiC) ceramic matrix composites (CMC) produced by liquid silicon infiltration (LSI) technique. The CNTs used in this study were impregnated into the C/C preforms before the liquid silicon infiltration stage. The results showed that the addition of excess carbon to the C/C preforms in the form of CNTs enhanced Si infiltration efficiency significantly resulting in C/C-SiC composites with higher density and microstructural uniformity. Accordingly, the addition of CNTs improved the flexural strength of the composites by 40% with respect to no-CNT-containing composites due to a lower amount of residual porosity and additional reinforcement effect of the unreacted CNTs. The thermal conductivity of the resulting C/C-SiC composites has been also increased by 31% and 18% parallel and perpendicular to the carbon fiber-woven fabric surface, respectively, by CNT addition.Graphical abstract