Silicon Carbide Filament Reinforced Epoxy Resin Composites

摘要

A series of composites were prepared with a nominal 4-mil diameter silicon carbide monofilament in an epoxy resin matrix. The average tensile strength of the silicon carbide filament was 360,000 psi and the average modulus of elasticity 61,000,000 psi. The filaments were prepared by the chemical vapor process using 0.5-mil diameter tungsten as a substrate. Filament characterization consisted of mechanical, physical, and morphological property evaluation. Composite fabrication was achieved by preparing preimpregnated and B-staged monolayer tapes for plying into unidirectional and balanced bidirectional composites. Composite evaluation consisted of tensile, flexure, shear and compressive strength, and moduli determinations. Unidirectional composites, containing 62 volume-percent filament, exhibited an average flexural strength of 260,000 psi and an average flexural modulus of 33,400,000 psi. These evaluations have permitted the preliminary assessment of the capability of silicon carbide as a potentially high performance reinforcing filament. (Author)