Ceramic matrix composites are being developed to operate at elevated temperatures and in oxidizing environments. Considerable improvements are being made in the creep resistance of SiC fibers
and hence in the high-temperature properties of SiC/SiC composites; however, more needs to be known about the stability of these materials in oxidizing environments before they become widely accepted.
Experimental weight loss and crack growth data supports the conclusion that O2 enhanced crack growth of SiC/SiC occurs by more than one mechanism depending on the experimental conditions. An oxidation
embrittlement mechanism (OEM) operates at temperatures below about 1073-1223 K and at O2 pressures of...
Keywords: high-temperature, composites, ceramics, oxidation, interphased