Effect of temperature on bending mechanical behavior of 3D angle-interlock woven Al₂O₃/mullite ceramic matrix composites

This study systematically investigates the evolution of bending properties and damage mechanisms of three-dimensional angle-interlock woven alumina/mullite ceramic matrix composites (3DAW Al₂O₃-CMCs) under room-temperature (RT) and various high-temperature environments. The experimental temperature range was set from RT to 1200°C. The results indicate that the bending properties of 3DAW Al₂O₃-CMCs exhibit a non-monotonic temperature dependence, initially increasing before decreasing, with optimal performance observed at 1000°C where the maximum bending strength and bending modulus reach 128 MPa and 15.20 GPa, respectively. The damage mechanism shifts with increasing temperature: from localized fiber fracture and matrix cracking, to ductile fracture characterized by matrix softening and enhanced interfacial bonding, and finally to the state of matrix degradation coupled with fiber bundles collapse.