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Aqueous-Oxygen Corrosion Damage of 2.5D Braided SiCf/SiC Composites Prepared by CVI+PIP Processing: Multidimensional Observation and Mechanism Analysis
Zhang Lin1,2, Li Junsheng2, Chen Sian2, Zhang Yanhu1, Wan Fan2
1 School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University, No. 301 Xuefu Road, Zhenjiang 212013, China
2 Science and Technology on Advanced Ceramic Fibers and Composites Laboratory, College of Aerospace Science and Engineering, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
received March 10, 2025, received in revised form March 27, 2025, accepted April 15, 2025
Vol. 17, No. 1, Pages 39-52 DOI: 10.4416/JCST2025-00006
Abstract
X-ray computed tomography (XCT) was utilized to perform quantitative and qualitative characterizations of aqueous-oxygen corrosion evolution in SiCf/SiC composites under pre- and post-oxidation conditions. The results indicate that the SiC matrix formed with the precursor impregnation and pyrolysis (PIP) method is located mainly in the inter-bundle region, which experiences significant oxidation after 160 hours of oxidation. This oxidation results in the formation of SiO2 that fills the inter-bundle pores, leading to a decrease in porosity from an initial 10.9 % to 6.8 %. The interconnected inter-bundle pore network facilitates the ingress of oxygen, resulting in corrosion damage that is initiated preferentially at pore periphery regions. Progressive aqueous-oxygen corrosion leads to pore channel narrowing with surface smoothening, accompanied by the formation of vesicular porosity along the specimen periphery. A connected sheet-like and layered oxide skeleton structure forms finally because of the corrosion of matrix in the inter-bundle region.
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Keywords
X-ray computed tomography (XCT), SiCf/SiC composites, high-temperature aqueous-oxygen, oxidation mechanism.
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