The effect of neutron irradiation on the mechanical properties of C/SiC composites

The effects of neutron irradiation to 3.5 and 9.5 dpa at 730 C on a 2D plain woven carbon fiber reinforced polymer derived SiC matrix composite are presented. For both fluences, the irradiation caused in-plane contraction and trans-plane expansion. Irradiation also caused substantial reduction in composite flexural strength (-54%) and increase in flexural tangent modulus (+85%). The extents of dimensional/mechanical property changes were greater for the higher fluence irradiated samples. Those changes suggest the instability of the polymer derived SiC matrix following irradiation. The nature of the mechanical property changes suggest increased clamping stress between the fiber and the matrix. The composite property changes are explained in terms of irradiation effects on composite constituents and are compared with carbon fiber reinforced carbon matrix composite as a reference material.