Effects of pyrolysis temperatures on the oxidation behavior of PIP-processed SiC_f/SiC composites

Three kinds of four-step three-dimensional braided silicon carbide fiber-reinforced silicon carbide matrix composites with pyrocarbon interface were prepared through precursor infiltration and pyrolysis under 1100 °C, 1300 °C, or 1500 °C, and they were oxidized at 1300 °C with simulated air. The effects of pyrolysis temperature on the microstructure and oxidation behavior of the composites were investigated. Results indicated that the SiC crystallite size and crystallinity of the as-fabricated composites increased with increasing pyrolysis temperature. During oxidation, the three composites initially underwent similar near-linear mass-loss stages associated with the consumption of carbon component. Subsequently, they exhibited different mass-gain stages associated with the oxidation of SiC component. The composites prepared at 1100 °C followed a linear mass-gain rule, whereas the composites prepared at 1300 °C and 1500 °C followed a two-step parabolic mass-gain rule. The mechanism of mass-gain behavior change was proposed, which might be associated with the pyrolysis-temperature-dependent precursor-derived ceramic SiC microstructure and its evolution during oxidation.