Abstract
The present investigation reports the application of four different types of filler materials (Al2O3, Y2O3, SiC and Si3N4) for the preparation of particulate-reinforced composites (PRC) by precursor impregnation and pyrolysis (PIP) method. In the oxide filler systems, deterioration by crack formation was observed during repeated processing cycles. The large difference of the coefficient of thermal expansion between the oxide fillers and Si-C-N matrix is considered as the reasons for the deterioration. The PRC made with SiC filler showed the highest values of relative density, strength, Young's modulus, hardness, and fracture toughness among the four types of PRC. The SiC-based PRC also offered the highest thermal mass stability and creep resistance.
