Service characteristic evolution of three‐dimensional four‐directional braided C/SiC ceramic matrix composites under space electron radiation erosion environment

Abstract

The specific effects on the evolution of microstructure, components and mechanical properties of the three‐dimensional braided C/SiC composites under different‐time electron irradiation environment tests were analyzed and discussed to elaborate the corresponding corrosion damage mechanism. The damage to the C/SiC composites was intensified by the continuous electron irradiation, the areas of surface bulges and cracks were significantly enlarged, and the surface roughness increased. The density of white dots on the surface of the specimen increased as the electron irradiation time was prolonged, while the size did not change significantly, and the oxygen content on the surface of the specimen increased to some extent. With the prolongation of electron irradiation time, the decrease of bending strength of C/SiC composites increased, but did not level off after a certain degree, probably because of the existence of certain pores on the surface layer of the C/SiC composite. With the increase of electron radiation time, the crack defects on the surface layer of the C/SiC composite increased, and the electron radiation further damaged the internal matrix and reinforcing fibers in the C/SiC composite, thus the mechanical properties declined continuously and seriously after the radiation exceeded 1 h.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.