LAUSR

Abstract SiC nanowires (SiCnws) were used to modify the interphase of carbon fiber/pyrocarbon/SiC(Cf/PyC/SiC) composites. These SiCnws were grown in the carbon fiber preform via chemical vapor infiltration(CVI). The effects of these SiCnw interphases on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Cf/PyC/SiC composites were investigated. According to the obtained results, the composites containing SiCnw interphases(i.e., Cf/SiCnw/PyC/SiC and Cf/SiCnw/SiC) showed higher strength and toughness than Cf/PyC/SiC composites at both room and high temperatures. The superior pull-out and bridging crack characteristics of SiCnws can account for the toughening of Cf/SiC and Cf/PyC/SiC upon growth of SiCnw interphases, which resulted in composites with higher crack propagation resistances and superior load with standing capabilities.