Abstract
Alumina matrix composites reinforced by carbon nanofibers (CNFs) of 0, 5, 10, 20 vol% were fabricated using a spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. In this study, to disperse CNFs uniformly in ceramic matrix, an electrostatic adsorption technique was used to fabricate the mixed powder. The open porosity of the specimen increased and the mechanical properties decreased with the increase in CNF content. It might be resulted from the insufficient interfacial shear strength and CNFs worked as flaws in composites. In order to improve the interfacial shear strength, SiC particles were added into the interfacial phase between CNF and matrix so that the thermal mismatch and bonding between CNF and matrix were controlled. Consequently, it was demonstrated that mechanical properties were enhanced and the pull-out length decreased for the specimens with SiC addition. It was then suggested that the interfacial shear strength was successfully improved due to SiC addition.
