Matrix characterization of fibre-reinforced SiC matrix composites fabricated by chemical vapour infiltration

Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), that consist of silicon carbide (SiC) reinforced with continuous Nicalon™ or T-300® fibres, are being developed for many high-temperature structural applications. The large potential use of CMCs has prompted an in-depth investigation and characterization of these materials. Electron microscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize and compare the SiC matrix crystal structure and morphology of composite materials fabricated by two different chemical vapour infiltration (CVI) processes.