Composites by aluminum infiltration of porous silicon carbide derived from wood precursors

Composites were fabricated by infiltration of molten Al–13Si–9Mg into porous SiC derived from wood. The composite microstructure retains the heterogeneous orthorhombic symmetry of the initial wood material. As compared to the uninfiltrated SiC preform, the composite shows much improved transverse compressive strength and stiffness, resulting in reduced anisotropy.