Microwave and conventional sintering of SiC/SiC composites: Flexural properties and microstructures

SiC/SiC composites were fabricated by the PIP process via microwave and conventional heating from 800 °C to 1200 °C. The flexural properties and microstructures of the as-fabricated SiC/SiC composites were investigated. The results indicated that the flexural strength and toughness have the same changing tendency for both conventional and microwave sintering. However, at the same PIP sintering temperature, the flexural properties of the microwave sintered SiC/SiC are higher than that of the conventional sintered ones. The higher residual strength of SiC fibers properties and more cracks in the composite matrix resulting from higher heating rates of the microwave sintering brought about the better flexural properties.