Fabrication of Layered SiC/C/Si/MeSi2/Me Ceramic–Metal Composites via Liquid Silicon Infiltration of Metal–Carbon Matrices

Abstract

The growing demand for composite materials capable of enduring prolonged loads in high-temperature and aggressive environments presents pressing challenges for materials scientists. Ceramic materials composed of silicon carbide largely possess high mechanical strength at a relatively low density, even at elevated temperatures. However, they are inherently brittle in nature, leading to concerns about their ability to fracture. The primary objective of this study was to develop a novel technique for fabricating layered composite materials by incorporating SiC-based ceramics, refractory metals, and their silicides as integral constituents. These layered composites were produced through the liquid-phase siliconization method applied to metal–carbon blanks. Analysis of the microstructure of the resultant materials revealed that when a metal element interacts with molten silicon, it leads to the formation of a layer of metal silicide on the metal’s surface. Furthermore, three-point bending tests exhibited an enhancement in the bending strength of the layered composite in comparison to the base silicon carbide ceramics. Additionally, the samples demonstrated a quasi-plastic nature during the process of destruction.