Properties of modified polysiloxane based ceramic matrix for long fibre reinforced composite materials

Abstract

The main goal of the work was to prepare a cost effective and simple to preform high temperature matrix for composite materials. To fulfil expectations, it was necessary to optimise the design of the composite to have an optimal fibre–matrix interaction. A number of modified polysiloxane resins were studied in various steps of heat treatment. This contribution deals with changes in the behaviour of the matrix as a stay alone material. This knowledge enables the optimisation of composite properties. A fully instrumented indentation technique for the determination of reliable parameters characterising the microstructural changes was used. The fracture behaviour of the prepared composite matrixes was evaluated in terms of indentation cracks. Both optical and scanning electron microscopies were employed in microstructural observations and fracture mechanism qualification.

Keywords:

• Polysiloxane resin
• Pyrolysis
• Indentation
• Oxidation resistance
• XRD

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Czech Science Foundation under project no. 106/09/1101 and institutional research plan (grant no. AV0Z20410507). Further thanks are dedicated to Dr P. Roupcova and Dr K. Zabransky for the XRD measurements.

Notes

This paper is part of a special issue on Latest developments in research on composite materials