Effect of Temperature and Steam Environment on Fatigue Behavior of an Oxide-Oxide Continuous Fiber Ceramic Composite

There is an ever-increasing need for materials that maintain high strength and fracture toughness at elevated temperatures and in complex environments. Advanced aerospace applications are motivating the development of composite materials that can meet demanding requirements. This research effort investigates mechanical behavior of an oxide-oxide continuous fiber ceramic composite (CFCC) consisting of a porous alumina matrix reinforced with mullite/alumina Nextel 720 fibers developed specifically for advanced aerospace applications. Tension-tension fatigue behavior of this CFCC was studied at 1200 and 1330 C in laboratory air and 100% steam environments. Fatigue resistance and retained strength properties were determined. Effects of environmental degradation was addressed in detail.