Abstract:Silicon oxycarbide composites reinforced by three-dimensional braided carbon fiber (3D-B Cf/Si-O-C) were fabricated via precursor infiltration and pyrolysis of polysiloxane, and the effects of processing variables on mechanical properties and microstructures of 3D-B Cf/Si-O-C composites were investigated. It is found that the mechanical properties and densities of 3D-B Cf/Si-O-C composites can be increased if the first pyrolysis cycle is assisted by hot-pressing. Pyrolysis temperature has great effects on mechanical properties and microstructures of 3D-B Cf/Si-O-C composites. The composite, which is hot-pressed at 1 600℃for 5 min with pressure of 10 MPa in the first pyrolysis cycle, exhibits high mechanical properties: bending strength 502 MPa and fracture toughness 23.7 MPa·m1/2. The high mechanical properties are mainly attributed to desirable interfacial structure and high density.

Key words: silicon oxycarbide; continuous carbon fiber reinforcement; mechanical property; microstructure; precursor