Oxidation resistant non-oxide ceramic matrix composites

In the present study the oxidation behavior of SiC-fiber based composites (UBE SA3) with a Si3N4-MoSi2 matrix has been studied. The composites have been produced by infiltration of ceramic fiber bundles with various slurries, winding by a computer controlled winding-up module and the thermal treatment. The microstructure of the resulting CMC was characterized before and after oxidation treatment. As the consequence of a modified oxidation mechanism of the matrix, the ceramic fibers were found to be protected from the oxygen attack resulting in an improved oxidation resistance of the composite.