Flexural performance of SIFCON composites subjected to high temperature

•The flexural performance of SIFCON subjected to high temperature was investigated.•Significant loss in the cross section of fibers was observed at elevated temperatures.•Formation of the oxide film makes the fiber slips easier.•High temperature oxidation of fibers caused a more plastic behavior of SIFCON.

High temperature resistance is one of the most important parameters which affects the durability and service life of materials. Due to synergistic interaction of different mechanisms, mechanical performance can be lowered especially for the multi-component composite materials exposed to high temperature. Standard or steam cured slurry infiltrated fiber concrete (SIFCON) and slurry specimens were subjected to 300, 600, 750 and 900 °C in the scope of present study. Exposing the specimens to 300 °C enhanced the mechanical performance, while higher temperatures have detrimental effects on the SIFCON composites such as the loss in the cross section of steel fibers and the destruction of C–S–H structure. Mechanical test results were in accordance with micro-structural and thermal analyses.