Experimental description of thermomechanical properties of carbon fiber-reinforced TiC matrix composites

Abstract

Titanium carbide ceramic is a good potential material used in high temperature environment for its good strength, erosion resistance and thermal stability. Unfortunately, the low thermal shock resistance and low fracture toughness are the well-known impediments to its application as high temperature structure components. In order to extend the application of TiC ceramics at high temperature, 20 vol.% short carbon fiber was added into TiC matrix to improve the thermomechanical properties. With the incorporation of carbon fiber, the thermal expansion coefficient of TiC composites was decreased and the thermal conductivity was increased slightly below 900 degreesC. The flexural strength was improved from 471 MPa for monolithic TiC to 593 MPa for TiC composites, and the strengthening effect of carbon fiber became more prominent at high temperatures. The addition of fiber decreased the elastic modulus of TiC composite. The elastic modulus of the composite decreased with increasing temperature. The improvement of high temperature strength and thermal conductivity and the decrease of thermal expansion will benefit the application of TiC composites in high temperature environment where the temperature usually varies. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.