Short communicationFiber size effects on mechanical behaviours of SiC fibres-reinforced Ti3AlC2 matrix composites

In this study, different diameters SiC fibres-reinforced Ti3AlC2 matrix composites were fabricated via hot-pressing. The mechanical behaviours of the obtained composites were evaluated at room temperature by using 4-point bending testing. The results show that the flexural strength and damage tolerance are significantly higher for smaller diameter fibres-containing composites than for large diameter fibres-containing ones. In addition, the mechanical properties of the composites were improved when smaller diameter fibres partially replaced large diameter fibres and the improvement increased with increase of the amount of smaller diameter fibre. Furthermore, the fracture fashion of the composites depended on fibre diameters used.